Founding Silicon Engineer

About the Company

Our client is a high-growth technology startup dedicated to redefining the landscape of high-performance computing. At the intersection of hardware and software innovation, their organisation is building bespoke silicon solutions designed to power the next generation of intelligent systems. Backed by visionary investors, they are assembling a lean, world-class team of engineers who thrive on solving "impossible" problems. They value technical excellence, a collaborative spirit, and a deep-seated desire to build products that make a tangible global impact.

Role Overview and Purpose

As the Founding Silicon Engineer, you will be a cornerstone of their technical foundation. This is not merely a design role; it is an invitation to architect the future of their hardware platform from the ground up. You will have a direct influence on their technology roadmap, hardware-software interface, and the engineering culture of the company.

Your primary purpose is to lead the architectural definition and implementation of our first-generation silicon. You will bridge the gap between abstract algorithmic requirements and physical silicon reality, ensuring their hardware is performant, power-efficient, and scalable. This is a high-impact, high-autonomy role suited for a visionary engineer who is ready to move from a cog in a large machine to the driver of a new technical era.

Key Responsibilities

• Architectural Leadership: Define and specify the micro-architecture of our custom silicon, ensuring optimal trade-offs between performance, power, and area (PPA).
• RTL Development: Lead the RTL design and implementation using SystemVerilog, creating robust and efficient logic for complex computational blocks.
• Verification & Validation: Collaborate on the development of comprehensive verification strategies and test benches to ensure first-pass silicon success.
• Physical Design Coordination: Partner with external vendors and foundries to oversee the physical design flow, including synthesis, timing closure, and layout.
• Hardware-Software Co-design: Work closely with software engineers to define the ISA and hardware-software interfaces, ensuring the silicon architecture effectively supports our software stack.
• Tooling & Methodology: Establish and maintain world-class EDA flows and design methodologies to streamline our development programme.
• Strategic Input: Contribute to the long-term technology strategy and assist in the recruitment of a stellar engineering team as the organisation grows.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proven Expertise: A strong track record in silicon development, having successfully navigated multiple tape-outs from concept to production.
• Technical Depth: Expert-level proficiency in SystemVerilog and a deep understanding of digital logic design, including low-power design techniques.
• Process Knowledge: Extensive experience with advanced process nodes (e.g., 7nm, 5nm, or below) and familiarity with the intricacies of modern manufacturing cycles.
• Analytical Rigour: The ability to rigorously analyse complex systems, debug intricate hardware issues, and optimise for performance bottlenecks.
• Education: A degree (preferably a Master's or PhD) in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to stakeholders at all levels.
• Startup Mindset: A proactive, self-motivated approach with the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment where your work has a direct impact on the company's success.

Benefits and Perks

• Founding Equity: A significant equity stake, reflecting your critical role in the company's inception and future growth.
• High Autonomy: The freedom to choose the best tools and methodologies to solve complex problems.
• Professional Growth: A unique opportunity to transition into a leadership position as the engineering department expands.
• Modern Workspace: A flexible and inclusive working environment with access to the latest hardware and software tools.
• Competitive Package: A competitive salary and benefits package tailored to attract the industry's best talent.