Microprocessor Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Director of Edge Microprocessor Innovation

Join NXP at the forefront of physical AI and edge computing. Our Edge Microprocessor team is shaping the next generation of i.MX applications processors that power billions of smart devices worldwide. You will shape and align our multi-faceted roadmap to drive efficiencies and scale in our new product introduction processes and R&D. This is your opportunity to influence technology that transforms industries.

Role Overview

This role sits at the intersection of R&D, engineering, and business strategy, ensuring that new products address emerging market inflections and requirements. You will own the coordination of the i.MX portfolio across all performance vectors from low to high end microprocessors and associated power management solutions to drive efficiency and scale in execution, bridging market requirements and engineering innovation. This role is ideal for a senior leader who can speak both engineering and business to drive solutions that enable profitable growth in Industrial, IoT, Automotive, and emerging Physical AI applications across all markets. This individual contributor role will work across organizations to optimize engineering efficiencies and align resources to drive winning 5yr plans for the business, coordinating with product management and marketing, corporate strategy, finance, and hardware and software engineering to maximize output and profitability across the i.MX applications processor portfolio.

What You will Drive

• Portfolio Strategy and Management: Define and own the overall i.MX microprocessor product portfolio R&D plan and strategy, working across internal organizations and with external partners to maximize R&D efficiency and output.

• Technical Influence: Collaborate with engineering on architecture decisions and innovations for heterogeneous compute, AI acceleration, multi-modal pipelines, vision, graphics, safety, security, connectivity and development tools.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams (engineering, marketing, sales, applications, operations) throughout the product lifecycle ensuring alignment and successful execution of the portfolio.

• Development and maintenance of long-term product and IP strategies, aligning with market trends in physical AI, multimedia, networking and vision applications

• Deep research into semiconductor life cycles and competitive landscapes to prioritize opportunities for new technologies and IP.

Your Background

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (MS/MBA a plus).

• 10+ years in product management, product marketing, or systems engineering for MPUs, SoCs, or embedded systems.

• Strong understanding of heterogeneous compute architectures (CPU/GPU/NPU/DSP), memory systems, and interconnects.

• Solid understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts, algorithms, frameworks, and toolchains.

• Familiarity with edge AI applications, including computer vision, natural language processing, and sensor fusion in embedded systems.

• Proficiency in market analysis, competitive analysis, and business case development.

• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear and compelling executive messaging.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem solving abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast paced industry.

• Taking initiative with a passion for innovative technologies.

What Sets You Apart

• Understanding of embedded safety concepts (ASIL/SIL), reliability, and security.

• Experience with embedded software development, operating systems (Linux, RTOS), and developer toolchains is highly desirable.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and people skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.

• Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and operational excellence.

• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders.

This role requires domestic and international travel to engage with partners and internal teams across regions.

More information about NXP in the United States...

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.