Senior R&D Engineer

Senior R&D Engineer – System Architecture (Italy based) Axelera AI is seeking a highly skilled hardware architect focused on memory design, intra‑and inter‑chip networking, and interconnect technology to design and optimize the hardware architecture for our next‑gen AI acceleration platforms. About Us Axelera AI is a deep‑tech startup building a next‑generation AI platform. In just four years we raised $120 million, built a team of 220+ (including 49+ PhDs with >40,000 citations), and launched the Metis™ AI Platform which gains 3‑5× efficiency. We have a global presence with offices in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, and headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Position Overview Within the R&D System Architecture team, the candidate will design, architect, and optimize the hardware architecture underpinning Axelera’s AI acceleration platforms, with a focus on memory management, dataflow, and networking infrastructure such as remote‑DMA over Ethernet, InfiniBand, or similar technologies. Responsibilities Contribute to the design, architecture and implementation of Axelera’s next‑gen AI accelerators, focusing on memory and intra‑ and inter‑chip network architectures. Build architectural models, validate performance across AI workloads, and research optimal configurations. Build advanced hardware prototypes. Create detailed architectural specifications. Define and perform rigorous performance evaluation tests for architectural and behavioural verification. Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams (software engineers, digital designers, ML scientists, product managers) to align on project goals and requirements. Communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders. Contribute to the team’s knowledge base through documentation and sharing best practices. Collaborate with academia or industry partners on joint research projects. Contribute to Axelera’s intellectual property through patent filings, whitepapers, blog posts, or conference/scholarly publications. Requirements Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields with a focus on circuit design, computer architecture or high‑performance computing. Basic working knowledge of neural networks (convolutional or transformer architectures for computer vision and sequence modelling). Experience in software development. Experience in hardware development. Strong programming skills in Python. Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment. Preferred: Experience or knowledge of networking protocols such as RoCE or InfiniBand, networking technologies, and remote DMA. Preferred: Basic knowledge of common computer architectures (CPU, GPU, AI accelerators) and SoC architecture. Preferred: Proven track record of innovative contributions to AI/ML projects or research, evidenced by publications or patents. Location This position is based in Italy; Axelera offers relocation support to Bologna, Florence, or Milan for talent based abroad. What We Offer An attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurance, and options for company shares. You’ll join a dynamic, fast‑growing international organization that values creativity and continual innovation, with collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility. Equal Opportunity Statement Axelera AI is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds to shape the future of AI. Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Semiconductor Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr