Akamai Technologies is hiring: Principal Hardware Engineer in San Jose

Principal Hardware Engineer

Akamai Technologies is looking for a Principal Hardware Engineer for our Server Team. The role focuses on designing, qualifying, and scaling server platforms that power Akamai Cloud, from concept to global deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Owning technical roadmaps for cloud servers and SmartNIC/DPUs (BlueField/IPU equivalents)
• Defining requirements, reviewing schematics/layouts, guiding DFM, and driving platform NPI from EVT, DVT, PVT, MP
• Owning platform development for compute and GPU servers
• Leading bring‑up and debug of boards and systems (power, thermal, storage, networking, manageability)
• Developing and executing validation plans, root‑cause analysis across HW/FW/SW
• Collaborating with partners (OEM/ODM, silicon, component suppliers) to develop platform configurations that balance performance, efficiency, supply continuity, and TCO
• Mentoring and developing junior engineers, setting the bar for design reviews, and leading decision making with cross‑functional teams

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or a related field
• Foundation in server architecture and board‑level design/debug; comfortable with low‑level buses and tools (IC, SPI, UART, oscilloscopes)
• Leadership experience with platform validation (power/thermal, signal integrity, storage and PCIe/NVMe qualification, system stress)
• Linux and scripting skills; able to architect test frameworks, parse large data sets, and convert results into actionable specifications
• Track record of vendor leadership and executive‑level communication
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable speaking in a group setting

Flexibility & Location

FlexBase, Akamai’s Global Flexible Working Program, offers 95% of employees the choice to work from home, office, or both. This role will require your presence in our Cambridge office at least five days a week.

Benefits

• Your health, finances, family, and time at work
• Your time pursuing other endeavors

About Akamai

Akamai powers and protects life online. Leading companies worldwide choose Akamai to build, deliver, and secure digital experiences, helping billions of people live, work, and play every day.

Equal Opportunity

Akamai Technologies is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.

Compensation

For US‑based candidates only, the base salary ranges from $148,200 to $307,800 per year, based on experience, skills, and location. Compensation may include annual bonus, incentives, equity awards, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Akamai also offers industry‑leading benefits including healthcare, 401(k) savings plan, company holidays, PTO, sick time, family‑friendly benefits, and an employee assistance program.