Datacenter System Software Architect

About SiFive

The pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by enabling leading technology companies to innovate, optimize, and deliver advanced solutions across various markets. SiFive’s compute platforms are designed to meet the needs of artificial intelligence, machine learning, automotive, data center, mobile, and consumer sectors.

SiFive is always excited to connect with talented individuals who share our passion for driving innovation and making the world a better place. Our team consists of passionate, innovative, and collaborative professionals who work together to create groundbreaking ideas and solutions.

To learn more about SiFive’s achievements and why we were honored with the GSA’s Most Respected Private Company Award four times, visit our website and Glassdoor pages.

Job Description

The Role: Are you ready to be part of the RISC-V revolution? As a datacenter system software architect, you’ll play a leading role in designing and implementing high-performance RISC-V Linux systems for datacenters, focusing on both software and hardware architecture and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Architect systems and system software for hyperscaler deployments based on RISC-V.
• Engage with key customers and partners to integrate their functional and performance requirements, understand key workloads, and ensure that SiFive systems are well-supported in the associated software ecosystems.
• Help guide the development of RISC-V software and firmware stacks for servers, including platform controller firmware, platform firmware, hypervisors, Linux, and application stacks.
• Participate in the development of RISC-V standards pertaining to servers.
• Engage with RISC-V software ecosystem organizations to help guide external development.
• Drive the adoption and integration of next-generation server extension cards, involving CXL, RDMA, networking and storage offload, and compute accelerators.
• Help plan, estimate, and drive complex software projects.

Requirements

• Experience defining requirements for x86 or ARM servers for hyperscaler use cases.
• Experience with key server requirements including RAS, telemetry, manageability, and I/O offloading.
• Experience with key application workloads, including distributed databases, AI/ML training/inference, agentic AI, and high-throughput microservices.
• Experience developing low level code in C for multiprocessor, multithreaded operating systems such as the Linux kernel, BSD kernels, or other high level operating systems (HLOS).
• Understanding of computer architecture at the CPU and system levels, VLSI design concepts and how they impact hardware and software architecture.
• Experience writing and reviewing architecture specifications, both for hardware and software.
• Experience with modern desktop and server ecosystems, including PCIe, Device Tree, ACPI, and UEFI.
• Experience with the RISC-V ISA and RISC-V software ecosystem.
• Experience with datacenter Linux distributions such as Debian, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and SLES.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong project leadership skills, including the ability to develop roadmaps, work breakdowns and estimates, and drive projects.

Nice to Have

• Experience working with RTL engineers and with RTL product lifecycles.
• Experience with C++ or Rust.
• Experience working in global teams and cross-cultural communication.

Pay & Benefits

Consistent with SiFive values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. We have a market-based pay structure which varies by location. Please note that the base pay range is a guideline, and our compensation range reflects the cost of labor in the U.S. geographic market based on the location of the role. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and relevant work experience. For candidates who receive and offer, the starting salary will vary based on various factors including, but not limited to, such qualifications as, skill level, competencies, and work location.

Base Pay Range: $231,444.00-$282,876.00

In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for variable/ incentive compensation and/ or equity. In addition, this role is eligible for a comprehensive, competitive benefits package which may include healthcare and retirement plans, paid time off, and more!