Principal Engineer, FPGA Architecture

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Advancing the World’s Technology Together

Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future.

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

What You’ll Do

Our research team identifies data movement bottlenecks in AI systems and solves them with new memory and storage SoC architecture, proving each idea on FPGA with real AI workloads

Location: Daily onsite presence at our Folsom office/headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy

Job ID: 43081

Define architecture and microarchitecture for SoC blocks and prototype them on FPGA

Analyze AI system workloads (e.g., LLM inference) to identify memory, storage, and network bottlenecks

Propose and evaluate novel hardware architectures that address these bottlenecks more efficiently than existing solutions

Design, implement, and debug high-speed interfaces such as Ethernet, PCIe, and memory interfaces

Build high-throughput data paths with efficient buffering and flow control

Develop simulation and lab-based validation, including stress and error-injection testing

Integrate prototypes with host software, servers, and network equipment

Analyze performance, power, and cost trade-offs and translate results into SoC requirements

Lead research from problem definition to publication, patents, and presentations at top-tier conferences

What You Bring

BE (BS/MS/Ph. D. preferred) in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with 10+ years of working experiences in architecture development

Research mindset: comfortable defining problems, forming hypotheses, and validating them with experiments

Interest in AI infrastructure and data systems; publications are plus

Strong System Verilog RTL design and debug skills

Proven FPGA timing closure experience on large, high-speed designs

Hands-on experience with at least one high-speed interface (Ethernet, PCIe, or DDR/LPDDR)

Experience in storage (NVMe/SSD), networking (RDMA/RoCE), or memory (CXL) systems

Self-motivated problem-solver with an ability to work well in a team

Inclusive, adapt your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.

An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.

You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.

Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change

#LI-SF1

• What We Offer
• The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.

• Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
• Enjoy Time Away You’ll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.
• Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way—including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, caregiver support, and medical travel support.
• Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions, you’ll have support no matter where you are.
• Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
• Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That’s why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

Base Pay Range

$219,000 — $351,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy-related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.

Our Commitment to Innovation and Fairness

At Samsung Semiconductor, we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the recruitment process to enhance efficiency. However, AI is used as a support tool, not a final decision-maker. All hiring decisions are made by our human recruiting team and hiring managers to ensure every candidate is evaluated fairly and holistically.

Recruiting Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.

Applicant AI Use Policy

At Samsung Semiconductor, we support innovation and technology. However, to ensure a fair and authentic assessment, we ask that candidates rely on their own knowledge and skills throughout the process. AI tools may be used for basic preparation, grammar, and research, but should not be used to generate or assist with submitted content or live interview responses. If we determine that AI is being used outside these guidelines, we reserve the right to pause or end the interview, and your candidacy may be disqualified.

Trade Secret Notice

By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung—or encourage Samsung to use—any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.

• Applicant Privacy Policy
• https://semiconductor.samsung.com/about-us/careers/us/privacy/