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Chip Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Senior I/O Subsystem Architect

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

We are now looking for a Senior I/O Architect for our NVLink chip to chip team! NVIDIA is seeking an experienced technical leader passionate about defining advanced chip interconnects and protocols.

Eridu AI

ASIC Chip Design Lead

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$250K - $280K/yr

Draft detailed micro-architecture specifications derived from architecture documents and feature ... Run chip-level synthesis, define constraints, and close chip-level timing * Deliver timing-clean ...

Jobsbridge

ASIC Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$194K/yr

ASIC Design, FPGA, RTL Design, Chip Architecture, ASIC, Implementation,Synthesis /Conformal (Cadence Tool for formal verification) Description: Should have 2-5 years of experience in FPGA/ASIC ...

NXP Semiconductors

Chip Lead

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$101K - $133K/yr

AI & Chip Engineering team defines and develops System on Chip, ASIC's, Digital and Analog IP'sfor ... Generate and analyze data to take right and cost effective architecture decision * Work with IP ...

NXP Semiconductors N.V.

Chip Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

AI & Chip Engineering team defines and develops System on Chip, ASIC's, Digital and Analog IP's for ... Generate and analyze data to take right and cost effective architecture decision * Work with IP ...

Astera Labs

Chip Lead, Senior Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

This is an executive technical leadership role where you will connect architecture, design ... Drive chip development execution from RTL to GDSII, ensuring architecture, implementation, and ...

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All JobsChip Architect Jobs

Chip Architect information

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$46.5K

$128.8K

$201.5K

How much do chip architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for chip architect in the United States is $128,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $166,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Chip Architects when translating system requirements into chip designs?

Chip Architects often face the challenge of balancing performance, power consumption, and cost constraints while translating high-level system requirements into detailed chip architectures. They must ensure that their designs can be efficiently implemented in silicon, taking into account factors like manufacturability, scalability, and integration with existing hardware and software. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—such as hardware, software, and verification engineers—is essential to address issues early and ensure alignment throughout the development process. Staying updated with rapidly evolving semiconductor technologies and industry standards is also a key part of overcoming these challenges.

What does a chip architect do?

A chip architect designs the overall structure and specifications of integrated circuits, focusing on optimizing performance, power consumption, and area. They collaborate with hardware engineers and use tools like CAD software to develop chip architectures that meet specific requirements, often requiring knowledge of digital design and semiconductor technology.

What is the highest paid architect job?

The highest paid architect roles are typically senior or lead positions such as Chief Architect or Principal Architect, often found in large technology companies or specialized industries like semiconductor design. These roles require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve overseeing complex projects and teams, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures annually.

What is the difference between Chip Architect vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectChip ArchitectHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; experience in chip design and architectureBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; focus on circuit design and implementation
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D labs, collaborative project settingsDesign labs, testing facilities, manufacturing environments
Employer & Industry UsageSemiconductor companies, tech firms, integrated circuit manufacturersElectronics companies, semiconductor firms, hardware development labs

The main difference is that a Chip Architect focuses on designing the overall architecture and high-level specifications of chips, while a Hardware Design Engineer concentrates on implementing circuit designs based on specifications. Both roles require electrical engineering expertise, but the Chip Architect is more involved in conceptual and architectural decisions, whereas the Hardware Design Engineer handles detailed circuit development and testing.

How much do chip architects make?

Chip architects typically earn between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in hardware design and system architecture can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000 with bonuses and benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chip Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chip Architect, you need deep expertise in computer architecture, digital circuit design, and strong analytical skills, usually supported by an advanced degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with hardware description languages (like Verilog or VHDL), EDA tools, and simulation platforms is essential, along with knowledge of industry-standard protocols. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and leadership skills set outstanding chip architects apart when collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient, innovative chips that meet performance, power, and cost requirements in a highly competitive technology industry.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior chip architects or lead hardware engineers in the semiconductor industry can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in VLSI design, and working at major technology companies. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives.
More about Chip Architect jobs
What cities are hiring for Chip Architect jobs? Cities with the most Chip Architect job openings:
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Chip Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chip Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,756 per year, or $61.9 per hour.
Senior I/O Subsystem Architect

Senior I/O Subsystem Architect

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

We are now looking for a Senior I/O Architect for our NVLink chip to chip team!
NVIDIA is seeking an experienced technical leader passionate about defining advanced chip interconnects and protocols. You'll be part of a team responsible for defining next generation communications standards and products building on our current NVLink technology. The job scope ranges from developing initial product requirements, working with research, other architects, software/firmware and product development teams to shepherd the design through all phases of the product lifecycle.

What you will be doing:

  • Researching and crafting architecture solutions for chip-to-chip communication, optimizing for performance, area, power, security, and resiliency

  • Working with other design teams to define interfaces and flows between NVLink C2C blocks and the rest of the chip

  • Architectural modeling, validation, definition and documentation

  • Driving implementation across design, verification, firmware and software teams

  • Working with various teams to define NVLink C2C architecture

What we need to see:

  • MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering (or equivalent experience)

  • 10+ years of relevant experience in some combination of architecture, design, and verification

  • Proven experience over link layer architecture (Transaction layer, Data link layer, Physical layer)

  • Experience with existing interconnects (PCIE, UCIE, Chip to Chip links) and knowledge of Industry standard protocols CHI/CXL/AXI

  • Able to define system architecture with NVLINK-C2C interconnects and SW stack around it

  • Collaborate with multi-functional teams including IP, SoC, physical/package design, firmware, electrical design, and validation to drive interconnect technology development and integration

  • Evaluate and trade off technical solutions to meet platform requirements for current and future products

  • Have completed and shipped multiple projects and are skilled at I/O Architecture
    Experience leading projects from concept through product lifecycle, including pathfinding, prototyping, and deployment

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you're creative, autonomous and love a challenge, we want to hear from you!

#LI-Hybrid

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5, and 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD for Level 6.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 10, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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