RTL Design Tech Lead (ASIC/SoC)

A semiconductor startup based in Sunnyvale, CA is building next-generation graphics processors focused on maximizing performance and efficiency. The company takes a first-principles approach to engineering and is driven by a mission to reduce the barriers to creating, simulating, and consuming immersive digital experiences. Its culture emphasizes fearlessness, adaptability, and selfless collaboration in pursuit of ambitious technical goals.

The team is seeking an experienced RTL Design Tech Lead to drive microarchitecture, RTL development, and technical execution across complex ASIC/SoC programs from architecture through tapeout. This role combines deep hands-on design expertise with leadership responsibilities, including mentoring engineers, driving design reviews and coding standards, collaborating cross-functionally with DV, PD, STA, and DFT teams, and ensuring high RTL quality through lint, CDC/RDC, low-power compliance, and silicon bring-up debugging.

Candidates should have 10+ years of ASIC/SoC RTL design experience, strong expertise in SystemVerilog/Verilog, microarchitecture development, timing analysis, CDC/RDC methodologies, low-power design, and synthesis flows. Experience leading multiple successful tapeouts, debugging complex silicon issues, and operating effectively under aggressive schedules is essential. Preferred qualifications include advanced-node experience (12FFC, 7nm, 5nm), GLS expertise, DFT knowledge, familiarity with high-speed IPs such as DDR or PCIe, scripting in Python or Tcl, and experience working with foundries like TSMC in startup or first-silicon environments.

This role requires a strong ownership mindset and the ability to balance individual technical contribution with team leadership. The Tech Lead will provide architectural guidance, mentor engineers, influence cross-functional decisions, and maintain high standards for engineering execution and design quality. Compensation ranges from $220,000–$250,000 annually in California, with benefits including fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, equity, 401(k) matching, and work-from-home hardware support.