Principal Engineer, Architecture/Chip Leader

Japan

Engineering – Software Engineer / Full-Time / Hybrid

We're hiring an experienced SoC/MCU Architecture Leader for a global semiconductor company delivering advanced SoC and MCU solutions for high-performance applications.

About the role

In this role, you will lead the SoC/MCU Architecture organization, sitting at the intersection of business strategy, product requirements, and silicon execution. You'll define system architectures and technical specifications, guide a team of Technical Project Leaders and Chip Leads, and drive first-time-right tape-out across a broad set of stakeholders — including product marketing, system architects, design teams, software engineers, and functional safety and cybersecurity teams.

This position combines deep architectural ownership with people and cross-functional leadership — translating product and roadmap requirements into high-quality technical specifications, making critical IP selection and make-or-buy decisions, and managing and developing R&D teams as implementation challenges emerge.

We are looking for a seasoned engineering leader with a strong background in system and architecture-level design, hands-on tapeout experience, and a proven track record of leading complex, multi-team programs through full end-to-end product development cycles.

Responsibilities

Lead the SoC/MCU architecture team to define system architectures and technical specifications based on business and product requirements
Drive end-to-end development of high-performance SoCs and MCUs, ensuring high-quality, on-schedule, first-time-right tape-out
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product marketing, program management, software, manufacturing, functional safety (FuSa), and cybersecurity
Make key technical decisions on IP selection and make-or-buy strategies aligned with product and roadmap requirements
Manage and mentor R&D teams, assess team capabilities, and contribute to product, architecture, and IP roadmap planning
Continuously improve development processes to optimize quality, cost, and efficiency across chip, IP, and platform teams
Engage with external stakeholders including suppliers, technical partners, and industry standards bodies
Promote knowledge sharing, training programs, and best practices across the organization

Qualifications

Required

Strong background in system and architecture-level design
Proven track record of leading multiple end-to-end product development cycles, from concept to productization
Solid understanding of advanced technology nodes and hands-on tapeout experience
Experience leading NPI (New Product Introduction) development, including product, technology, and team leadership
Deep knowledge of industry-standard tools and development methodologies
Comfortable communicating in Japanese in a professional work environment

Preferred

Bachelor's or higher degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science
Strong drive and ability to coordinate work across cross-functional, highly experienced global teams

Additional Information

Location: Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
Work Model: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)
Open to relocation: This role is open to candidates located anywhere who are open to relocating to Japan

Apply for this job