Principal Hardware Systems Engineer

About the role

This position anchors the hardware organization as D Matrix redefines AI compute architecture at the board and system level. The hire will own the end-to-end definition and execution of board strategies that enable next-generation AI inference workloads. You will act as the primary hardware authority for critical programs, translating abstract compute requirements into concrete, manufacturable platforms. The role demands deep collaboration with architecture, firmware, and software teams to ensure system-level objectives are met. You will drive high-complexity design activities from initial concept through production validation and debug. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to solve ambiguous problems and deliver robust hardware under aggressive timelines. You will communicate technical trade-offs clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment across the organization.

Key facts

What you'll do

Establish board design direction for Chiplet-based NPU platforms that address massive LLM inference challenges.

Lead high-complexity hardware design within semiconductor, server, or networking environments to enable world-class AI accelerator platforms.

Define layouts using high-end EDA tools such as Cadence Allegro/Orcad to meet power, signal integrity, and timing targets.

Execute hardware bring-up and validation using high-speed oscilloscopes, BERTs, and VNA/TDR to confirm design integrity.

Apply deep SI/PI fundamentals, including jitter, crosstalk, and impedance control for 32Gbps+ signals.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align hardware decisions with product and system requirements.

Drive rigorous lab validation methodologies to ensure platform reliability, performance, and scalability.

Own critical debug activities in the field, using advanced test equipment to isolate and resolve complex issues.

Champion best practices in design for testability, producibility, and long-term maintainability.

Mentor junior engineers by providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of quality and ownership.

Requirements

Hold a BS/MS in Electrical Engineering or a related field as the baseline education.

Bring 10+ years of experience in high-complexity hardware design within semiconductor, server, or networking industries.

Demonstrate mastery of Cadence Allegro/Orcad or similar high-end EDA tools for board design.

Apply deep SI/PI fundamentals, including jitter, crosstalk, and impedance control for 32Gbps+ signals.

Proficiency with high-speed oscilloscopes, BERTs, and VNA/TDR for hardware bring-up and validation.

Show a proven track record of delivering complex hardware platforms in demanding production environments.

Exhibit strong problem-solving skills with the ability to deconstruct intricate system-level issues into actionable steps.

Communicate effectively in written and verbal form, ensuring clarity when discussing intricate technical subjects.

Nice to have

Design roles in this field rely heavily on precise electrical modeling and rigorous lab validation.

Digital hardware engineers often work closely with firmware and software teams to close system-level performance targets.

High-speed serial links and signal integrity expertise are central to modern data center and accelerator platforms.

Field tools such as oscilloscopes and network analyzers support real-world debug and bring-up activities.

Collaboration across cross-functional teams helps align hardware decisions with product and system requirements.

Practical notes

Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Design roles in this field rely heavily on precise electrical modeling and rigorous lab validation.

Digital hardware engineers often work closely with firmware and software teams to close system-level performance targets.

High-speed serial links and signal integrity expertise are central to modern data center and accelerator platforms.

Field tools such as oscilloscopes and network analyzers support real-world debug and bring-up activities.

Collaboration across cross-functional teams helps align hardware decisions with product and system requirements.

Questions to ask

Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.