Principal Engineer / Design Engineer

Principal Engineer / Design Engineer

Full-Time 100000 - 135000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Elite People Partners Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of next-gen GPU/AI compute IP and enhance micro-architecture capabilities.
  • Company: Join a cutting-edge tech firm focused on high-performance silicon delivery.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, private medical, and hybrid working options.
  • Other info: Immediate need for senior contributors in a collaborative, innovative setting.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in a dynamic engineering environment with visible results.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years in digital design, strong SystemVerilog skills, and cross-functional collaboration experience.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 135000 £ per year.

My client’s engineering team is looking to add Principal Design Engineers to support the development of next-generation GPU / AI compute IP. This role is focused on strengthening core design and micro-architecture capability, with a clear objective of unblocking delivery across critical programmes where design is currently the constraint. You will operate at the intersection of architecture, RTL design, and physical implementation awareness, working closely with verification and system teams to ensure scalable, high-performance silicon delivery.

Role & Responsibilities:

  • Develop high-quality SystemVerilog RTL aligned to performance, power, and area targets
  • Work closely with verification teams to ensure design-for-verification efficiency
  • Collaborate with physical design teams to understand and mitigate timing, congestion, and power challenges
  • Contribute to overall design strategy and technical direction
  • Support and influence engineering best practices across the design function
  • Operate as a senior technical contributor within a matrix engineering structure

Essential Skills:

  • Strong experience in SystemVerilog RTL design
  • Proven background in micro-architecture ownership (not just implementation)
  • 15+ years’ experience within digital design (SoC / CPU / GPU / complex ASIC environments)
  • Understanding of physical design outcomes (timing, area, power trade-offs)
  • Awareness of verification methodologies and design-for-test considerations
  • Experience working across cross-functional teams (architecture, verification, physical design)
  • GPU / CPU / AI accelerator experience
  • Memory / cache / interconnect design
  • Experience within high-performance or complex SoC environments
  • Not a pure RTL “coding” role without ownership
  • Not a narrow block-level implementation position
  • Work on complex, high-performance GPU / AI compute designs
  • Strong engineering environment with cross-functional collaboration
  • Exposure to architecture, design, and system-level challenges

Immediate need — your impact will be visible quickly.

30% Bonus (company performance related) ~ Total Compensation (£135,000 - £175,500) ~ Pension ~ Private medical ~ Life assurance ~ Relocation support available ~ Hybrid working (3 days onsite)

Principal Engineer / Design Engineer employer: Elite People Partners Ltd

Join a forward-thinking engineering team that champions innovation and collaboration in the heart of the tech industry. As a Principal Design Engineer, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge GPU and AI compute designs but also enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through mentorship and cross-functional teamwork. With competitive compensation, generous benefits including a performance-related bonus, and flexible hybrid working arrangements, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.

Elite People Partners Ltd

Contact Details:

Elite People Partners Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer / Design Engineer

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the field. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that Principal Engineer role.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with SystemVerilog RTL design and micro-architecture ownership. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve tackled challenges in high-performance environments.

Tailor Your Approach

Every company is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to align with their specific needs. Research their projects and challenges, and come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute. We’re all about showing how you can add value right from the start!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you on board to work on those next-gen GPU/AI compute designs!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer / Design Engineer

SystemVerilog RTL Design
Micro-Architecture Ownership
Digital Design (SoC / CPU / GPU / ASIC)
Physical Design Awareness
Verification Methodologies
Design-for-Test Considerations
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in SystemVerilog RTL design and micro-architecture ownership. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about GPU/AI compute designs and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!

Showcase Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working across cross-functional teams, make sure to highlight your collaboration experiences. Share examples of how you've worked with verification and physical design teams to tackle challenges – we value teamwork at StudySmarter!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and our culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Elite People Partners Ltd

Know Your SystemVerilog Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your SystemVerilog skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and how you've used SystemVerilog to meet performance, power, and area targets. Having specific examples ready will show that you’re not just familiar with the language but can also apply it effectively.

Understand Micro-Architecture Ownership

Since this role requires a strong background in micro-architecture ownership, be ready to explain your experience in this area. Discuss how you've contributed to design strategy and technical direction in previous roles, and how you’ve tackled challenges related to timing, congestion, and power.

Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration

This position involves working closely with verification and physical design teams. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across different engineering functions. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and influence best practices within a matrix structure.

Show Your Passion for High-Performance Designs

The company is looking for someone who can make an immediate impact on complex GPU/AI compute designs. Convey your enthusiasm for high-performance engineering and discuss any relevant experiences that demonstrate your capability to deliver scalable, high-performance silicon.