SOC Architect

About The Team

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.

About The Role

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.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• If you have experience with edge AI devices, embedded systems, or consumer hardware platforms.
• If you have background in performance modeling, silicon cost optimization, and workload-driven architecture.
• If you have familiarity with advanced process nodes and modern semiconductor development flows.

Benefits

No specific benefits are listed in the job posting.

Pay

The compensation range for this position is $266K - $445K.

Schedule

No specific schedule is mentioned in the job posting.