Principal Hardware Systems Engineer
d-Matrix · Santa Clara
Join d-Matrix and help build the future of AI inference. We’ve pioneered a memory-centric architecture that brings compute directly into memory, making AI faster, more energy efficient, and accessible on a global scale. From chips and software to rack-scale systems, our team is tackling some of AI infrastructure’s hardest challenges — and shipping breakthrough technology today. If you want to create what comes next and help make infinite inference possible, we’d love to hear from you.
Our culture is built on respect, collaboration, and direct communication. We value humility, we believe our different perspectives lead to better solutions, and we’re looking for people who are driven by execution and energized by hard problems.
Role Overview
d-Matrix is looking for a Principal Systems Hardware Engineer to own system architecture end-to-end — from concept through specification, design review, and production deployment. In this role, you'll act as the technical anchor for hardware decisions across interconnect, board, chassis, and rack-scale design, writing the specifications that partners and internal teams build against. You'll work independently against your objectives — setting technical direction without needing explicit guidance — while partnering closely with cross-functional teams and software groups to align hardware decisions with performance and workload needs. You'll review partner and vendor designs against requirements, surface misalignment and schedule risk early, and drive trade-off analysis across adjacent domains like interconnect, power, thermal, and mechanical. You'll also help establish the spec standards, review practices, and AI-assisted workflows that shape how d-Matrix builds systems at scale.
What You Will Do
Own system architecture end-to-end — from concept through specification, design review, and production deployment — as the technical lead across teams and partners
Author system, board, and rack specifications, and review partner designs against them — surfacing misalignment and schedule risk early
Set direction for interconnect architecture — scale-up and scale-out fabrics, NICs, switches, optics, and topology — partnering with domain specialists to execute
Set direction for board, chassis, and system architecture — component placement, PCB design, connectors, power, and thermal — at chassis, rack, and data-hall scale, partnering with domain specialists to execute
Evaluate competing design options through trade-off analysis and "what-if" scenario planning
Define validation, bring-up, and qualification strategy for new platforms
Partner with software teams to align hardware decisions with performance and workload needs, and help establish spec standards and review practices for the org
What You Will Bring
8+ years of experience in hardware systems architecture, including deep, hands-on expertise in one core domain (interconnect, power, or thermal) for large-scale compute or networking systems
Experience owning hardware system architecture at scale (machine, rack, row, or cluster) — from specification through bring-up and high-volume production deployment
Experience reviewing partner designs and holding vendors to specification
Ability to reason about trade-offs across adjacent domains (interconnect, power, thermal, mechanical)
Track record of technical leadership — owning directional decisions and driving alignment across teams and partners
Degree in EE, CE, ME, CS, or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in hardware systems architecture for hyperscale, HPC, AI/ML, or high-end networking platforms
Experience with AI accelerator systems and their scale-up/scale-out fabrics
Chip-package-system co-design experience
Expertise in one or more of: high-speed SerDes/PCIe/CXL/optics; BMC/firmware/secure boot; 48V/HVDC power delivery/liquid cooling; fleet-scale RAS; signal and power integrity
Experience establishing new engineering functions or practices
Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
d-Matrix is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to do their best work. We hire the best talent for our teams, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status. Our focus is on hiring teammates with humble expertise, kindness, dedication, and a willingness to embrace challenges and learn together every day.
d-Matrix does not accept resumes or candidate submissions from external agencies. We appreciate the interest and effort of recruitment firms, but we kindly request that individuals interested in opportunities with d-Matrix apply directly through our official channels. This approach allows us to streamline our hiring processes and maintain a consistent and fair evaluation of all applicants. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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