SOC Architect

SoC Architect

OpenAI's Hardware organization develops AI-native silicon and system-level solutions for the unique demands of advanced AI workloads. Building on efforts like Jalapeño, the team is developing future generations of AI-native silicon and tightly integrated systems to power the next generation of frontier models. By co-designing chips, systems, tools, and methodologies, the team helps deliver faster, more efficient, and production-ready hardware for OpenAI's supercomputing platform.

We are seeking an experienced SoC Architect to lead the definition and development of next-generation custom AI silicon for edge deployments. This role will be responsible for shaping the architecture of highly efficient, high-performance SoCs optimized for machine learning inference and on-device intelligence.

You will work cross-functionally with internal engineering teams and external ecosystem partners to translate product requirements into scalable silicon solutions, driving execution from concept through delivery.

In this role you will:

• Define the architecture and technical roadmap for custom SoCs targeted for edge applications.
• Drive system-level tradeoff analysis across compute, memory, interconnect, power, thermal, and cost constraints.
• Architect energy-efficient ML compute subsystems optimized for inference workloads and real-world deployment environments.
• Collaborate with internal hardware, software, systems, and product teams to align architecture with platform needs.
• Partner with external silicon vendors, IP providers, and manufacturing partners to execute development plans.
• Lead hardware/software co-design efforts to maximize performance per watt and end-to-end system efficiency.
• Guide implementation teams through microarchitecture, RTL development, validation, and bring-up phases.
• Operate effectively in agile development environments and help teams deliver against aggressive schedules and milestones.

You might thrive in this role if:

• Proven experience defining and delivering complex SoC or ASIC architectures from concept to production.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML accelerators, edge inference workloads, and energy-efficient compute design.
• Strong knowledge of SoC subsystems including CPU/GPU/NPU architectures, memory hierarchies, interconnects, and power management.
• Experience working with both internal engineering organizations and external strategic partners.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams in fast-paced, execution-driven environments.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence technical direction across organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with edge AI devices, embedded systems, or consumer hardware platforms.
• Background in performance modeling, silicon cost optimization, and workload-driven architecture.
• Familiarity with advanced process nodes and modern semiconductor development flows.

To comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidates for this role may need to meet certain legal status requirements as provided in those laws and regulations.

OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic.

Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law, and qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment consistent with those laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made via this link.

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