Principal Hardware Architect & Engineering Manager
delphi engineering groupIrvine (CA)
Principal Hardware Architect & Engineering Manager
Posted yesterday
delphi engineering groupIrvine (CA)
SENIORITY
Manager
About the role
DEG Careers – Principal Hardware Architect & Engineering ManagerLocation: Irvine, CA
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: CEO / Executive Leadership
Role Summary:
The Principal Hardware Architect & Engineering Manager is the senior technical and execution authority for DEG’s FPGA-based hardware platforms. This role combines hands‑on hardware architecture and board‑level design with direct management of the hardware and FPGA engineering function.
This position owns:
Hardware system architecture
Hardware ↔ FPGA integration
Engineering execution, priorities, and delivery
This is not a pure people‑management role and not a layout‑only role. It is a hands‑on technical leadership position with real accountability.
Core Responsibilities:
System & Hardware ArchitectureDefine system‑level hardware architecture for PCIe, FMC/FMC+, and VPX platforms
Architect high‑speed data acquisition and playback systems
Select and qualify key technologies (FPGAs, ADCs/DACs, clocking subsystems)
Define PCIe Gen4/Gen5 hardware architecture and throughput strategy
Establish hardware design standards reused across product families
Own technical tradeoffs involving performance, risk, cost, and schedule
Board‑Level Hardware DesignOwn complete board designs from concept through production release
Drive schematic capture for FPGA subsystems, high‑speed serial interfaces, memory, power and clocking
Define PCB stackups, routing constraints, and SI/PI requirements
Work directly with PCB designers to ensure correct implementation
Lead board bring‑up, debug, and validation
Resolve cross‑discipline hardware issues (hardware ↔ FPGA ↔ test)
Define FPGA‑facing hardware architecture (JESD204 topology, clock domains, reset strategy, PCIe interfaces)
Review FPGA designs for hardware compatibility and system correctness
Collaborate with FPGA engineers on interface definition and partitioning
Ensure hardware supports FPGA timing, clocking, and throughput needs
This role requires architectural understanding of FPGA systems, not day‑to‑day RTL development.
Directly manage hardware and FPGA engineers (employees and contractors)
Own engineering priorities, schedules, and resource allocation
Balance new development, sustaining engineering, and customer‑driven work
Lead design reviews, release decisions, and technical risk assessments
Set expectations for design quality, documentation, and release discipline
Coordinate engineering work across hardware, FPGA, software, and test
Act as the escalation point for technical and execution issues
Technical Leadership & External InterfaceServe as the final technical authority for hardware decisions
Mentor engineers and enforce engineering standards
Interface with customers on deep technical topics when required
Support proposal development and technical responses
Preserve technical continuity across product generations
Required Qualifications:
15+ years experience in complex digital and mixed‑signal hardware design
Proven ownership of complete board designs
Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams or technical groups
Deep expertise in PCIe, SERDES, JESD204B/C systems, clocking and power architecture
Working knowledge of FPGA architecture sufficient to guide integration
Strong bring‑up and debug experience
Comfortable making final technical and execution decisions
U.S. Person (citizenship or permanent residency)
Preferred ExperienceAMD/Xilinx UltraScale+ or Versal platforms
Wideband ADC/DAC or Direct RF systems
Defense or aerospace programs
Small‑team, high‑ownership environments
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package: Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Retirement plan with employer matching.
Paid time offExciting projects with the potential to make a significant impact in the field of electronic design.
A collaborative and inclusive team culture that values creativity, initiative, and technical excellence.
Delphi Engineering Group is a military and aerospace manufacturer requiring strict adherence to ITAR requirements. As a condition of employment applicants must provide proof of US Citizenship (no green cards or visas).
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