At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative SoC solutions and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company shaping the future of microcontrollers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for travel and exposure to emerging technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge technology and drive architectural innovation.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in digital design or SoC architecture; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
As an SoC Architect, you will define the overall device architecture for PIC32 microcontrollers, covering the SoC itself along with peripherals, power, memory, security, and operating modes. You will work closely with marketing, customers, FAEs, and internal engineering teams to gather requirements and turn them into clear architectural specifications and theory‑of‑operation documentation.
While this role operates with a high degree of independence, it is inherently collaborative. You will influence decisions across multiple disciplines and help align teams around shared IP, feature sets, and system-level trade-offs.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the architecture of complex SoC solutions, including device pinouts, power management systems, embedded memory, security features, and production test capabilities.
- Define architectures and features supporting functional safety (ISO 26262, including Safety Element out of Context concepts) and cybersecurity (ISO 21434, including TARA analysis).
- Own the architecture of peripherals and deeply embedded IP, defining programming models, interfaces, feature sets, and detailed theory of operation.
- Collaborate closely with hardware, software, analogue, and verification teams to define and refine system requirements.
- Perform feasibility studies and architectural trade‑off analysis, balancing cost, features, and schedules.
- Provide technical leadership through design reviews, mentoring, and constructive challenge to ensure architectural robustness and clarity.
- Stay connected to industry trends and emerging technologies to keep PIC32 architectures competitive and forward‑looking.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in digital design and/or SoC architecture roles.
- Experience in at least one of the following areas: embedded power systems, SoC security, analogue control, or MCU architectures (including PIC32).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse technical audiences.
- Confidence in making and driving architectural decisions in the presence of uncertainty, while valuing expert input from across the organization.
- SoC or FPGA development with embedded CPU architectures (ARM, MIPS, RISC‑V) and standard system buses.
- Functional safety and cybersecurity development experience (ISO 26262, ISO 21434).
- Familiarity with requirements management tools such as Polarion.
- Knowledge of embedded flash or other non‑volatile memory technologies.
- Experience with peripheral programming models and MCU application development.
- Exposure to domains such as motor control, connectivity (Ethernet, USB), security/cryptography, DMA, cache systems, audio/video, camera, or embedded analogue subsystems.
Occasional travel should be expected for this role.
Travel: 0% - 25%
SoC Architect in Cambridge employer: Microchip Technology Inc.
Microchip Technology Inc. is an exceptional employer for SoC Architects, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and independence. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead cutting-edge projects in a dynamic environment while benefiting from comprehensive training and development programmes. Located in a vibrant tech hub, our company provides a unique advantage with access to industry trends and emerging technologies, ensuring your contributions are impactful and forward-looking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SoC Architect in Cambridge
✨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 or a personal project that highlights your SoC architecture expertise. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and shows potential employers what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions related to SoC architecture and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role you're applying for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace SoC Architect in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the SoC Architect role. Highlight your experience in digital design and SoC architecture, especially any work with embedded power systems or security features. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any collaborative projects you've worked on, as teamwork is key for us.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is crucial for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and if you can, include examples of how you've explained complex concepts to diverse audiences in the past.
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Microchip Technology Inc.
✨Know Your SoC Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the architecture of SoCs, especially in relation to PIC32 microcontrollers. Brush up on key concepts like power management, security features, and embedded memory. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but genuinely passionate about it.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role is highly collaborative, prepare to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams. Think of specific examples where you’ve influenced decisions or aligned teams around shared goals. This will demonstrate your ability to work well with others and lead discussions effectively.
✨Showcase Your Technical Leadership
Be ready to talk about times when you've provided technical leadership, whether through design reviews or mentoring. Highlight how you’ve ensured architectural robustness and clarity in your previous roles. This will help illustrate your capability to take charge and guide projects successfully.
✨Stay Ahead of Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and emerging technologies in SoC architecture. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact the PIC32 architectures. Showing that you’re proactive about staying informed will impress interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to innovation.
