Principal Embedded Software Architect – Edge AI MCU

Company Overview 

Ambiq's mission is to enable intelligence everywhere by delivering the lowest power semiconductor solutions. Ambiq is a pioneer and a leading provider of ultra-low-power semiconductor solutions based on our proprietary and patented sub- and near-threshold technologies. With the increasing power requirements of artificial intelligence (AI) computing, our customers are relying on our solutions to deliver AI to edge environments. Our hardware and software innovations fundamentally deliver a multi-fold improvement in power consumption over traditional semiconductor designs without expensive process geometry scaling. We began in 2010 by addressing the power consumption challenges of battery-powered devices at the edge, where they were most pronounced. As of the beginning of 2025, we've shipped more than 280+ million units worldwide. 

Our innovative and fast-moving teams of design, research, development, production, marketing, sales, and operations are spread across several continents, including the US (Austin), Taiwan (Hsinchu), China (Shanghai and Shenzhen), and Singapore. We value relentless technology innovation, a deep commitment to customer success, collaborative problem-solving, and an enthusiastic pursuit of energy efficiency. We embrace candidates who also share these same values. The successful candidate must be self-motivated, creative, and comfortable learning and driving exciting new technologies. We encourage and nurture an environment that fosters growth and opportunities to work on complex, meaningful, and challenging projects, creating a lasting impact and shaping the future of technology. Join us on our quest for enabling billions of intelligent devices. The intelligence everywhere revolution starts here. 

Austin, TX – Onsite (5 days/week)
U.S. Work Authorization Required (No Sponsorship Available)

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Architect the Software Foundation for Ultra-Low-Power Edge AI Silicon

Ambiq designs and ships ultra-low-power Edge AI MCUs that enable real-time intelligence directly on device.

We are expanding our Austin engineering organization and hiring a Principal Embedded Software Architect to define the software architecture and requirements for our next-generation Edge AI MCU platforms.

This role sits at the hardware/software boundary — partnering directly with SoC architects, product teams, IP vendors, and embedded software leaders to shape how our silicon is exposed, controlled, optimized, and validated.

You won’t just write code.
You will define how the system behaves.

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What You’ll Own

As Principal Architect, you will:

• Define the software architecture for next-generation low-power Edge AI MCUs

• Drive early-stage functional allocation between hardware and software

• Develop and refine Software Requirements Specifications (SRS) tied to real customer use cases

• Lead architectural decisions across:

  • Multi-processor communication

  • Control/data plane separation

  • Data movement acceleration

  • Memory management and protection

  • Dynamic resource allocation

  • Power optimization strategies

  • Debug and visibility tooling

• Partner with SoC architects to influence hardware/software trade-offs

• Support software prototyping to validate architectural decisions

• Act as architectural SME through implementation, validation, and bring-up phases

• Review designs, test plans, and implementation details to ensure alignment with architectural intent

• Mentor engineers and define best practices across embedded teams

This is a high-impact architectural role influencing multiple MCU generations.

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Technical Environment

You will work deeply across:

• ARM Cortex-M architectures

• Bare metal and RTOS-based systems

• Asymmetric multi-core systems

• Inter-processor communication (OpenAMP, RPMsg, etc.)

• Data movement engines and acceleration blocks

• MMU/MPU, caches, shared memory, dual-port memory

• Power management (DVFS, clock gating, low-power states)

• FPGA-based emulation platforms and full reference systems

You will be embedded within engineering teams while influencing cross-functional decisions across silicon and software domains.

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What We’re Looking For

Required Experience

• BS or MS in EE, CE, or CS

• 12+ years developing embedded software for real-time systems

• Deep experience on ARM Cortex-M platforms

• Strong C/C++ (assembly experience preferred)

• Experience defining and writing Software Requirements Specifications (SRS)

• Strong understanding of:

  • Functional allocation

  • Requirements traceability

  • Testability across pre-silicon and post-silicon platforms

• Experience with asymmetric multicore architectures

• Strong knowledge of memory systems, data movement, and processor interaction

• Ability to independently drive architectural decisions

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Preferred Experience

• Power optimization strategies in embedded systems

• TrustZone for M-class microcontrollers

• Trusted firmware environments

• Graphics, display, or audio/video processing

• Experience working with IP vendors and external silicon partners

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Why This Role Is Different

• Direct architectural influence on Edge AI MCU platforms

• Close collaboration with silicon architects and IP vendors

• Ownership across early-stage definition through validation

• Opportunity to shape hardware/software trade-offs that impact power, performance, and scalability

• Austin-based collaboration culture with tight hardware/software integration

This is a principal-level role for engineers who want to define system behavior — not just implement features.

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Location & Work Authorization

Austin, TX – Onsite 5 days per week
Must be authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor or transfer visas for this role.

What You Need 

We're seeking passionate technologists who thrive on pushing boundaries, solving complex challenges, and driving transformative solutions. 

At Ambiq, you'll collaborate with a dynamic team that values relentless innovation, customer-centric thinking, and continuous learning. If you're a self-motivated, creative problem-solver eager to push technological limits and make a meaningful impact in energy efficiency, this is your opportunity to grow, excel, and turn groundbreaking ideas into reality. 

Most importantly, the successful candidate will be able to live the Ambiq Shared Values: 

• Innovate: We tenaciously find ways to break down the barriers to possible solutions 
• Collaborate: We proactively communicate and encourage each other to be better. 
• Focus: We keep the voice of the customer at the center of everything we do. 
• Learn: We strive for continuous improvement and are always curious. 
• Achieve: We execute on quality and follow through on our commitments.