Job Description:Lattice Semiconductor is seeking a Principal Engineer to join the team responsible for the architecture, design, and development of advanced EDA software tools for Lattice FPGA platforms. This role is central to delivering high-quality, scalable synthesis solutions across the Lattice product portfolio, with primary ownership of the Lattice synthesis toolchain.
The ideal candidate is a technical leader and domain expert in FPGA synthesis engine design, with a deep understanding of how to achieve best-in-class results for specific FPGA architectures. You will drive industry-leading outcomes across maximum frequency (Fmax), area efficiency, runtime performance, and memory utilization-balancing tradeoffs to meet the demands of diverse customer use cases.
This role carries significant responsibility for enabling next-generation FPGA architectures, ensuring synthesis solutions scale effectively and remain competitive as the Lattice platform roadmap evolves.
Key Responsibilities- Provide technical leadership in the design, implementation, and optimization of FPGA synthesis engines across multiple Lattice product families
- Collaborate with synthesis developers and cross-functional partners to define architecture, algorithms, and long-term technical direction
- Drive quality-of-results (QoR) improvements spanning Fmax, area, and compile time
- Lead development and enablement of new synthesis features and capabilities aligned with product roadmap priorities
- Maintain, enhance, and modernize the synthesis codebase to ensure robustness, scalability, and long-term maintainability
- Serve as the technical escalation point for complex synthesis issues, including customer-reported problems
- Influence engineering best practices, code quality, and design standards within the synthesis team
- Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers through design reviews and technical guidance
Required Qualifications- 10+ years of experience in EDA software development, with a focus on logic synthesis or place-and-route
- Expert-level proficiency in C++, with a track record of designing, implementing, and optimizing large-scale, performance-critical software systems
- Deep knowledge of synthesis algorithms - including technology mapping, retiming, logic optimization, and timing-driven optimization
- Strong understanding of FPGA architectures (LUTs, DSPs, BRAMs, carry chains) and how architectural constraints inform synthesis strategy
- Experience with QoR benchmarking methodologies and data-driven optimization workflows
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives independently and influence without direct authority
- Hands-on experience with generative AI tools applied to developer productivity - debugging, code review, algorithm exploration, or documentation
Preferred Qualifications- Familiarity with the Lattice synthesis toolchain (Radiant, Propel, or ACE environments)
- Experience with Python scripting for automation, regression testing, or QoR analysis
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
Pay & BenefitsConsistent with Lattice Semiconductor values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. We have a market-based pay structure which varies by location. Please note that the base pay range is a guideline, and our compensation range reflects the cost of labor in the U.S. geographic market based on the location of the role. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and relevant work experience.
For candidates who receive and offer, the starting salary will vary based on various factors including, but not limited to, such qualifications as, skill level, competencies, and work location. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee.
Base Pay Range248400
In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for variable/ incentive compensation and/ or equity. In addition, this role is eligible for a comprehensive, competitive benefits package which may include healthcare and retirement plans, paid time off, and more!
