Neurophos · 17 hours ago
Tech Lead, Functional Modeling
San Francisco
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
10+ years expNeurophos is revolutionizing AI computation with the world’s first metamaterial-based optical computing platform. They are seeking an experienced Lead for Functional Modeling to establish and drive their functional modeling infrastructure, enabling early software development and RTL validation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Data CenterHardware
Responsibilities
Lead the FMOD team (4+ engineers) focused on functional modeling and software enablement
Architect and implement functional models of optical GEMM engines, SRAM vector processors, and dataflow engines
Define functional modeling methodologies within the YinYang (libyy) event-driven framework
Build transaction-level models (TLM) with clean interfaces between compute blocks
Develop both execution-driven and trace-driven simulation capabilities
Integrate SystemC/TLM 2.x models with custom C++ simulation infrastructure
Enable early software development by providing high-performance functional simulators
Collaborate with RTL teams on functional validation and co-simulation strategies
Define modeling abstractions and component interfaces that enable team parallelism
Mentor modeling engineers and establish team development practices
Drive functional correctness validation through a comprehensive test infrastructure
Qualification
Required
MS or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science (or BS with equivalent experience)
10+ years of experience in functional modeling, hardware emulation, or system-level simulation
Proven experience building and leading technical teams (3+ years of management experience)
Deep expertise in both execution-driven and trace-driven simulation methodologies
Strong proficiency with SystemC and Transaction-Level Modeling (TLM 2.x)
Expert-level C++ programming (C++17/20/23) with focus on modularity and performance
Experience designing clean abstraction layers for complex hardware systems
Track record of shipping functional models that enabled software development or RTL validation
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across hardware and software teams
Understanding of computer architecture and accelerator design principles
Preferred
Experience with GPU architectures and CUDA programming
Background in accelerator functional modeling (TPU, NPU, DSP, or similar)
Familiarity with Verilator, SystemVerilog, or RTL co-simulation (DPI interfaces)
Knowledge of memory system modeling (HBM, DRAM, cache hierarchies)
Experience with event-driven simulation frameworks (gem5, SST, or custom frameworks)
Understanding of ML workloads and framework internals (PyTorch, TensorFlow)
Background in optical computing, photonics, or analog computing paradigms
Experience with high-performance simulation optimization techniques
Python expertise for scripting, analysis, and test infrastructure
Publication record in hardware modeling or computer architecture
Benefits
Competitive compensation, including salary and equity options.
Opportunities for career growth and future team leadership.
Access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities.
Opportunity to publish research and contribute to the field of efficient AI inference.
Company
Neurophos
Photonic ExaOPS AI chips
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Neurophos has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$16.1MKey Investors
Gates Frontier FundMetaVC Partners
2025-12-08Series Unknown· $1.9M
2023-12-14Seed· $7.2M
2023-10-03Seed· $7M
Leadership Team
Patrick T. Bowen
CEO
Andrew Traverso
Co-founder & Chief Scientist
Recent News
Trajectory Ventures
2026-01-21
2025-09-24
Company data provided by crunchbase