At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of AI-focused ICs from architecture to silicon validation.
- Company: Join a pioneering design house in Cardiff focused on AI and advanced compute.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shares, bonus, excellent pension scheme, and high autonomy.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative culture with minimal bureaucracy and fast decision-making.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital design and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in digital IC design and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 € per year.
Join a company who are building a next-generation design house focused on AI, advanced compute, and emerging semiconductor technologies. This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage and define how digital design is done, technically and culturally. You'll support and lead the development of AI and compute-focused ICs, working from architecture through RTL to silicon and have the opportunity to support and mentor the 6 graduates within the group.
This role is well suited to someone motivated by the opportunity to give back to the industry sharing their experience, mentoring the next generation, and helping shape the growth of an emerging company. It will appeal most to individuals driven by impact, ownership, and legacy, rather than those primarily focused on compensation.
Why This Role Is Different- Foundational impact – shape the technical direction and standards from day one
- Real ownership – no layers of management, no waiting for instructions
- End-to-end exposure – architecture → RTL → tapeout → silicon validation
- Variety of work – customer projects + in-house IP development
- Startup agility – fast decisions, minimal bureaucracy, high trust
- Define digital architectures for AI accelerators, data paths, and SoC subsystems
- Develop high-quality, synthesizable RTL (Verilog/SystemVerilog).
- Run synthesis, STA, and DFT using industry-standard digital design tools
- Lead design reviews and help establish best practices and design flows
- Support tapeout and bring-up, including hands-on silicon validation
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to building team capability
- Contribute to internal IP development alongside customer delivery
- Strong background in digital IC design (senior-level experience)
- Experience with a tape out.
- Solid understanding of SoC design and PPA trade-offs
- Confident working across the full design lifecycle
- Comfortable taking ownership and making technical decisions
- Strong communication skills and team mindset
- DSP, CPU/GPU/NPU is advantageous but not essential.
- The chance to build something from the ground up
- Work on cutting-edge AI and compute silicon
- High autonomy and real technical ownership
- A collaborative, engineering-led culture
- Opportunity to shape both technology and team
You will be required to work onsite, ideally 4-5 days per week initially to support the graduates. On offer is a base salary upto £80,000 + shares + bonus + an excellent pension scheme. You must have UK working rights.
Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design Engineer in Cardiff employer: LinkedIn
Join a pioneering design house in Cardiff that is at the forefront of AI and advanced semiconductor technologies. As a Senior Digital IC Design Engineer, you will enjoy a collaborative and engineering-led culture that prioritises innovation and mentorship, allowing you to shape both technology and the next generation of engineers. With a focus on real ownership and minimal bureaucracy, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a foundational impact while enjoying competitive benefits including shares, bonuses, and an excellent pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design Engineer in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to AI and digital IC design. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your past experiences, especially how you've mentored others or led projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your passion for shaping the future of digital design and your commitment to mentoring the next generation.
We think you need these skills to ace Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI and Compute:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for AI and advanced compute technologies. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your interest in these areas, as we’re looking for someone who’s genuinely excited about shaping the future of digital design.
Highlight Your Technical Skills:Make sure to clearly outline your experience with digital IC design, especially your work with RTL and tapeout processes. We want to know about your technical expertise, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and any industry-standard tools you’ve used.
Emphasise Mentorship Experience:Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers, it’s important to mention any past experiences where you’ve supported or guided others. We value a collaborative culture, so showing us how you can contribute to team growth will definitely make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your digital IC design knowledge, especially around AI accelerators and SoC subsystems. Be ready to discuss your experience with RTL development and tapeout processes, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Show Your Mentoring Side
Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers, think of examples where you've successfully guided others. Share how you’ve contributed to team growth in previous positions, as this will resonate well with their focus on building capability.
✨Emphasise Ownership and Impact
This company values individuals who are driven by impact and ownership. Prepare to discuss times when you took initiative in projects and how your decisions shaped outcomes. They want to see that you’re not just a follower but a leader.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Expect in-depth technical questions during the interview. Brush up on industry-standard tools for synthesis, STA, and DFT. Being able to articulate your thought process and decision-making will show your confidence and expertise.
