Austin, TX - Onsite (5 days/week)U.S. Work Authorization Required (No Sponsorship Available)Architect the Software Foundation for Ultra-Low-Power Edge AI SiliconAmbiq designs and ships ultra-low-power Edge AI MCUs that enable real-time intelligence directly on device.
We are expanding our Austin engineering organization and hiring a Principal Embedded Software Architect to define the software architecture and requirements for our next-generation Edge AI MCU platforms.
This role sits at the hardware/software boundary - partnering directly with SoC architects, product teams, IP vendors, and embedded software leaders to shape how our silicon is exposed, controlled, optimized, and validated.
You won't just write code.
You will define how the system behaves.
What You'll OwnAs Principal Architect, you will:
- Define the software architecture for next-generation low-power Edge AI MCUs
- Drive early-stage functional allocation between hardware and software
- Develop and refine Software Requirements Specifications (SRS) tied to real customer use cases
- Lead architectural decisions across:
- Multi-processor communication
- Control/data plane separation
- Data movement acceleration
- Memory management and protection
- Dynamic resource allocation
- Power optimization strategies
- Debug and visibility tooling
- Partner with SoC architects to influence hardware/software trade-offs
- Support software prototyping to validate architectural decisions
- Act as architectural SME through implementation, validation, and bring-up phases
- Review designs, test plans, and implementation details to ensure alignment with architectural intent
- Mentor engineers and define best practices across embedded teams
This is a high-impact architectural role influencing multiple MCU generations.
Technical EnvironmentYou will work deeply across:
- ARM Cortex-M architectures
- Bare metal and RTOS-based systems
- Asymmetric multi-core systems
- Inter-processor communication (OpenAMP, RPMsg, etc.)
- Data movement engines and acceleration blocks
- MMU/MPU, caches, shared memory, dual-port memory
- Power management (DVFS, clock gating, low-power states)
- FPGA-based emulation platforms and full reference systems
You will be embedded within engineering teams while influencing cross-functional decisions across silicon and software domains.
What We're Looking ForRequired Experience- BS or MS in EE, CE, or CS
- 12+ years developing embedded software for real-time systems
- Deep experience on ARM Cortex-M platforms
- Strong C/C++ (assembly experience preferred)
- Experience defining and writing Software Requirements Specifications (SRS)
- Strong understanding of:
- Functional allocation
- Requirements traceability
- Testability across pre-silicon and post-silicon platforms
- Experience with asymmetric multicore architectures
- Strong knowledge of memory systems, data movement, and processor interaction
- Ability to independently drive architectural decisions
Preferred Experience- Power optimization strategies in embedded systems
- TrustZone for M-class microcontrollers
- Trusted firmware environments
- Graphics, display, or audio/video processing
- Experience working with IP vendors and external silicon partners
Why This Role Is Different- Direct architectural influence on Edge AI MCU platforms
- Close collaboration with silicon architects and IP vendors
- Ownership across early-stage definition through validation
- Opportunity to shape hardware/software trade-offs that impact power, performance, and scalability
- Austin-based collaboration culture with tight hardware/software integration
This is a principal-level role for engineers who want to define system behavior - not just implement features.
Location & Work AuthorizationAustin, TX - Onsite 5 days per week
Must be authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor or transfer visas for this role.
