Silicon SoC Architect

Intel is hiring a Silicon SoC Architect in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $221k-$361k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Intel.

Level's read on this job

Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this role: aI is not part of the work.
The posting mentions Soc Architecture, Cpu Architecture and Firmware among its tools and skills.
Level classes it as a senior role.
Intel has 805 other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

Design and drive next-generation System-on-Chip architectures supporting datacenter and agentic computing at Intel.

soc-architecturecpu-architecturefirmware

system-architecturemicroarchitecturehardware-designperformance-optimization

Job Details:

Job Description:

The Role and Impact
As a Principal Engineer specializing in Silicon SoC Architecture at Intel, you will be at the forefront of designing and driving next-generation System-on-Chip (SoC) architectures that define the future of datacenter and agentic computing. This is a role of strategic importance, where your expertise will shape the technological direction of Intel and influence the industry at large. You will lead the end-to-end architecture and development of modular, scalable, and highly optimized SoCs that serve the needs of diverse segments, from high-performance computing to ultra-low power solutions. By innovating new architectural approaches and mentoring other technical leaders, you will play a pivotal role in delivering leadership solutions that power the world's most impactful technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Define and develop end-to-end SoC architectures, including hardware, firmware, and functional specifications, to meet connectivity, configuration, performance, timing, power, and area goals.
Drive the evaluation, integration, and optimization of existing IP blocks into new SoCs, defining gaskets or glue logic as necessary.
Explore and implement novel architectural features for next-generation products, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scalable designs.
Develop, execute, and analyze tests, test plans, and testing infrastructure to validate new architectures and features, using advanced statistics and data analysis to benchmark performance and identify improvements.
Collaborate with architects, design engineers, system engineers, and verification engineers to ensure seamless SoC design and address development constraints.
Review and influence cross-functional roadmaps, define technology targets, and contribute to the long-term innovation strategy for future SoCs.
Act as a domain expert, providing technical leadership across the organization and the industry.
Mentor and develop other technical leaders while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in alignment with Intel's core values.
Deep expertise in SoC architecture development methodologies, system architecture, and microarchitecture.
Proven experience in defining architecture features, registers specifications, and SoC development.
Proficiency in computer architecture fundamentals, CPU architecture, and systems thinking.
Demonstrated ability in problem solving and evaluating feasibility tradeoffs to drive SoC optimization.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's or BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with 12+ years of experience. OR
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of experience. OR
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with 6+ years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated track record of innovation, including conceptualizing and specifying advanced microarchitectures for future products.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and contributing to technical strategies.
Strong coaching and mentoring skills to develop leadership within the organization.
Expertise in benchmarking, performance analysis, and advanced statistical modeling.
Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in computing, with a strategic vision for the evolution of SoC architectures.

Job Type:

Experienced Hire

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location:

US, California, Santa Clara

Additional Locations:

US, California, Folsom, US, Colorado, Fort Collins, US, Massachusetts, Beaver Brook, US, Oregon, Hillsboro, US, Texas, Austin

Posting Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Position of Trust

This role is a Position of Trust. Should you accept this position, you must consent to and pass an extended Background Investigation, which includes (subject to country law), extended education, SEC sanctions, and additional criminal and civil checks. For internals, this investigation may or may not be completed prior to starting the position. For additional questions, please contact your Recruiter.

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $220,920.00-361,480.00 USD

The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.The application window for this job posting is expected to end by 02/22/2027

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

How we rate this

Silicon SoC Architect at Intel rates 20 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Silicon SoC Architect is an open job at Intel.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $221k-$361k a year.
The role is based in US, California, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on September 8, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by Intel. Apply on Intel

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

System ArchitectureMicroarchitectureHardware DesignPerformance OptimizationSoc ArchitectureCpu ArchitectureFirmware

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where system architecture was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where microarchitecture was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where hardware design was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where performance optimization was part of your work. What did you do?
Walk me through how you've used Soc Architecture in your day-to-day work.

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: System Architecture, Microarchitecture, Hardware Design, Performance Optimization, and Soc Architecture. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

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