Staff Digital Design Engineer - CPU Architecture & RISC-V

Join to apply for the Staff Digital Design Engineer - CPU Architecture & RISC-V role at Innatera.

About Innatera

Innatera is a rapidly growing Dutch semiconductor company that develops ultra‑efficient neuromorphic processors for AI at the edge. These microprocessors mimic the brain’s mechanisms for processing fast data streams from sensors, enabling complex turn‑key sensor analytics functionalities, with 10,000× higher performance per watt than competing solutions. Innatera's technology serves as a critical enabler for next‑generation use cases in the IoT, wearable, embedded, and automotive domains.

We’re looking for a Staff Digital Design Engineer to take technical ownership of RISC‑V‑based CPU architecture and subsystem integration in our next‑generation neuromorphic SoCs. In this high‑impact role, you’ll lead the design and implementation of advanced CPU cores and digital IPs, from high‑level specification to final sign‑off. You’ll be instrumental in driving architectural decisions, RTL development, and SoC integration, while collaborating closely with verification, backend, and software teams.

We will trust you with:

• Design and architect advanced CPU cores and micro‑architectures, with particular expertise in RISC‑V instruction sets and extensions;
• Translate high‑level architectural requirements into detailed micro‑architectural specifications for CPU designs;
• Collaborate with verification engineers to ensure comprehensive testing and validation of CPU IP, including instruction set compliance and performance;
• Define and implement SoC‑level architectures, specifically focusing on the integration of CPU cores and their interaction with other IP and subsystems;
• Assist in verifying SoC functionality through top‑level testing, ensuring robust system performance, especially regarding CPU operation;
• Perform RTL coding and debugging of CPU cores and related logic using Verilog or System Verilog;
• Conduct RTL and gate‑level simulations to ensure design accuracy and performance for CPU and associated logic;
• Execute all front‑end design tasks for CPU cores, including synthesis, STA, formal equivalence checking;
• Support software‑hardware co‑design efforts, demonstrating a deep understanding of the SW‑HW system and its interaction with the CPU;
• Drive the development of innovative CPU IP concepts based on high‑level product specifications, exploring new architectural paradigms;
• Evaluate, customize, and integrate third‑party CPU IP or components (e.g., memory management units, interrupt controllers) to enhance system performance;
• Work closely with analog design, verification to ensure seamless integration and cohesive project development for CPU‑centric designs.

Your experience includes:

• 7+ years of experience in digital design, with a strong focus on CPU architecture and micro‑architecture development;
• Demonstrable experience in designing and implementing RISC‑V based CPU cores (e.g., custom cores, modifications to open‑source cores);
• Deep understanding of CPU pipeline stages, memory hierarchies (caches, MMU), interrupt handling, and bus interfaces related to CPU design;
• Expertise in RTL coding (Verilog/System Verilog) and debugging for complex digital modules, particularly CPU designs;
• Strong knowledge of SoC architecture and subsystem integration, specifically concerning CPU integration;
• Proven experience in front‑end design tasks for CPU cores, including synthesis, STA, and formal equivalence checking;
• Solid understanding of digital verification methodologies and working collaboratively with verification teams, with a focus on CPU verification;
• Familiarity with common communication protocols (e.g., AMBA AXI/AHB) relevant to CPU‑to‑system interfaces.

What you need to succeed:

• Strong problem‑solving skills with great attention to detail, particularly in the context of complex CPU architectures;
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, particularly in cross‑functional team environments;
• A proactive and self‑motivated attitude toward learning and innovation, especially in the evolving landscape of CPU design and RISC‑V.

We offer you:

At Innatera, you'll be part of a team shaping the future of AI hardware. Your work will help create solutions that power intelligent devices, improving industries and empowering everyday life, from consumer electronics to healthcare. Our culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and real‑world impact provides a unique opportunity to work alongside disruptive innovators, talented engineers, researchers and specialists.

To ensure your success and well‑being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Competitive salary;
• Pension plan;
• Ambitious team with the freedom to innovate;
• A flexible working environment (work‑from‑home policy, flexible working hours, advantageous holidays scheme). For this role you can work remotely OR from our Netherlands HQ;
• An inclusive company culture that embraces open communication, diversity and supports holistic personal development;
• Compensation for commuting to the office, fruits, drinks and snacks in the office.

Whether you’re passionate about microarchitecture, excited by verification or physical design, driven by supporting operations, building strong teams, or mastering the details of accounting, we’d love to hear from you!

Innatera is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other protected characteristics. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know – we’re happy to support you.