Design Engineer - CPU Subsystem

As a Design Engineer - CPU Subsystem at Alphawave Semi, you will be responsible for managing the Interrupt Subsystem components for multi-core Arm-based CPU SoCs. Your duties will involve creating Micro-Architecture documentation, configuring the Arm GIC Interrupt controller, integrating RTL, and collaborating with design verification (DV) engineers. Understanding and applying best practices in digital design will be crucial for succeeding in this role.

To qualify for the Design Engineer - CPU Subsystem role at Alphawave Semi, candidates should possess a minimum of 8 years of experience in SoC architecture and design. A strong background in digital design, RTL coding in Verilog or VHDL, and a deep understanding of interrupt distribution within multi-core CPU SoCs is essential. Candidates with hands-on SoC bring-up experience in lab environments will find this role particularly rewarding.

Alphawave Semi offers a comprehensive benefits package for Design Engineer - CPU Subsystem employees, including health plans, a Wellness Spending Account, an Employee Assistance Program, and flexible time off options. In addition, employees have the opportunity to participate in short-term incentive programs, retirement savings plans, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

At Alphawave Semi, Design Engineer - CPU Subsystem employees can expect a flexible work environment that fosters innovation and supports their personal and professional growth. The company values teamwork and collaboration, empowering employees to thrive while contributing to exciting and impactful projects in the semiconductor industry.

Alphawave Semi is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing an equal opportunity for all applicants for the Design Engineer - CPU Subsystem role. The company embraces diversity across various characteristics and backgrounds and values the unique perspectives that all employees bring to the team. Accommodations are available during the recruitment process to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone.

Discuss any relevant projects where you designed or worked with ARM-based SoCs. Emphasize your understanding of ARM architecture, design methodologies, and any specific tools or techniques you used.

Mention specific strategies you have used for debugging, such as simulation-based debugging or hardware validation methods. Provide examples of issues encountered and how your methodologies led to successful resolutions.

Discuss your approach to RTL quality checks, possibly using tools like Spyglass. Explain the importance of following coding standards and performing thorough reviews with team members before submission.

Explain how you have managed interrupt handling and distribution in previous projects, detailing your understanding of how it impacts system performance and responsiveness.

Share examples where you developed Micro-Architecture documents, highlighting how they guided your design process. Discuss the importance of thorough documentation in facilitating team collaboration.

Describe specific integration processes you’ve used, including any challenges you faced and how you collaborated with different teams to achieve seamless integration in your workflows.

Discuss the specific EDA tools you're proficient with for synthesis, implementation, and timing analysis. Highlight any instances where your tool choices improved performance or efficiency.

Explain the importance of collaboration with DV engineers and provide examples of how this teamwork has enhanced the verification process in your projects.

Describe a specific challenge, your thought process in tackling it, and the steps you took to arrive at a successful solution. Highlight your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

Discuss how this position fits into your career aspirations. Emphasize your desire for continued growth, learning, and contribution to innovative projects in the semiconductor field.