Positron.ai specializes in developing custom hardware systems to accelerate AI inference. These inference systems offer significant performance and efficiency gains over traditional GPU-based systems, delivering advantages in both performance per dollar and performance per watt. Positron exists to create the world's best AI inference systems.
Position : Senior ASIC Design Engineer
Company : Positron.ai
Job Type : Full-time
Reports To : Director of ASIC Engineering
Location : Remote
Position Overview
As a Senior ASIC Design Engineer, you will take a leadership role in defining, implementing, and delivering critical IP blocks and subsystems for Positron.ai’s inference ASICs/SoCs. You will own the microarchitecture from high-level concept through RTL signoff, collaborating across architecture, verification, and physical design to achieve ambitious PPA and schedule goals. In addition to hands-on SystemVerilog design, you will mentor junior engineers, influence methodology, and drive key architectural tradeoffs that impact silicon performance and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and document microarchitecture for complex IP blocks/subsystems.
- Deliver production-quality, parameterized SystemVerilog RTL with well-defined interfaces, power/clock intent, and embedded assertions.
Technical Ownership & Signoff:
- Lead lint, CDC/RDC, DFT integration, and synthesis bring-up; collaborate with PD on floorplan and timing closure.
- Own PPA metrics for assigned blocks and drive microarchitectural optimizations to meet targets.
Advanced Interface & Memory Integration:
- Architect and integrate high-performance interconnects (AXI/CHI/ACE), DMA engines, coherency logic, and high-speed memory interfaces (HBM/DDR).
- Engage with IP vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless integration.
- Develop and enforce coding guidelines, reusable IP packaging, and signoff checklists.
- Contribute automation flows (Python/Tcl/Make/CI) to improve team efficiency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner closely with Verification to define test plans and reference models.
- Work with Architecture and Performance teams to correlate models against RTL.
- Support bring-up, post-silicon debug, and customer engagements as required.
Mentorship & Technical Leadership:
- Guide junior engineers in design techniques, methodology, and problem-solving.
- Lead design reviews, drive consensus on tradeoffs, and advocate for best-in-class solutions.
Required Qualifications
- BS/MS in EE/CE (or related) with 8+ years of ASIC/SoC RTL design experience on complex, high-performance silicon.
- Proven track record of leading designs from spec → microarchitecture → RTL → signoff with strong PPA outcomes.
- Deep SystemVerilog RTL expertise, including clocking, resets, CDC/RDC handling, and protocol correctness.
- Extensive experience with front-end flows/tools (lint, CDC, synthesis/STA, DFT) using major EDA suites.
- Hands-on expertise with at least three of: HBM/DDR, PCIe/CXL, AMBA AXI/ACE/CHI, cache/memory hierarchies, high-throughput datapaths.
- Strong cross-functional communication skills, capable of leading technical discussions and producing clear specifications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in AI/ML accelerator design (matrix/vector engines, compression, NoC bandwidth planning).
- Formal verification/SVA expertise for property checking and design assertions.
- Experience with low-power design techniques (clock-/power-gating, UPF/CPF).
- Collaboration experience with cocotb/UVM for checkers and reference model co-development.
- Familiarity with RISC-V subsystems, coherence protocols, or customer-owned tooling (COT) flows.
Why Join Us?
- Shape the next generation of AI inference hardware with a high-caliber, collaborative team.
- Take technical ownership of critical silicon components that directly impact product success.
- Competitive salary + equity, comprehensive benefits, and flexible work environment.
- Opportunities to innovate, lead, and grow your influence in a rapidly evolving space.
Interested?
Apply with your resume and a brief note describing a block or subsystem you led from concept to tape-out, highlighting the PPA challenges you addressed and the architectural tradeoffs you drove.