Cerebras Systems
SemiconductorsDirect Ashby career site

Lead RTL Design Engineer

Pay
$200,000 – $299,000 per year
Location
Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid
Job type
Full-time
Level
Director
Experience
8+ years
Education
Master's degree
Listed
30 days ago

Skills & highlights for this role

  • RTL design
  • front-end chip integration
  • TCP/IP
  • RDMA
  • PCIe

Also useful

  • FPGA development
  • Python
  • TCL

About the role

Cerebras Systems builds the world's largest AI chip, 56 times larger than GPUs. This architecture allows Cerebras to deliver industry-leading training and inference speeds; over 10 times faster than GPU-based hyperscale cloud inference services.

This order of magnitude increase in speed is transforming the user experience of AI applications, unlocking real-time iteration and increasing intelligence via additional agentic computation.

Cerebras works with the leading model labs, global enterprises, and cutting-edge AI-native startups. OpenAI recently announced a multi-year partnership with Cerebras, to deploy 750 megawatts of scale, transforming key workloads with ultra high-speed inference.

About The Role

As a lead front-end design engineer, you will be a key part of the world-class team designing and developing the next generations of the Cerebras Wafer Scale Engine (WSE).

This role requires deep expertise in RTL design and integration, with a strong focus on delivering high-performance, power-efficient, and scalable solutions. The role also requires close collaboration and management of external ASIC vendor. You will collaborate closely with the design verification, physical design, software and system teams to bring innovative semiconductor architectures from concept to production, addressing the unique challenges of building WSE systems.

Responsibilities

  • Drive all aspects of chip design, including Functional Specification, Micro-architecture, RTL development, Synthesis.
  • Managing external ASIC vendor through product development cycle.
  • Work closely with PD team members for design closure to meet PPA goals.
  • Work closely with Design verification and DFT teams for achieving the best functional and test coverage.
  • Work with software and system teams to understand opportunities to deliver optimal performance and feature set for the product.
  • Debug silicon-level functional, timing, and power issues during bring up.

Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
  • Can work in a hybrid work environment.
  • 8-15 years of experience in delivering complex, high performance high quality RTL designs.
  • Experience with Front End Chip integration and third-party IP integration.
  • Demonstrated experience in networking, high-performance computing, machine learning or related fields.
  • Proven track record of multiple silicon success.
  • Experience collaborating and managing external vendors.
  • Experience with designing/integrating high speed IO.
  • Networking stack experience including TCP/IP, RDMA and Ethernet.
  • Knowledge of PCIe, CPU interfaces and Serdes technology.
  • Working knowledge of scripting tools: Python, TCL.

Assets

  • Experience with FPGA development toolchain, including Place and Route, Floor planning and Timing Analysis is a plus.

Pay and benefits

The base salary range for this position is $200,000 to $299,000 annually. Actual compensation may include bonus and equity, and will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications.

Why Join Cerebras

People who are serious about software make their own hardware. At Cerebras, we have built a breakthrough architecture that is unlocking new opportunities for the AI industry. With dozens of model releases and rapid growth, we’ve reached an inflection point in our business. Members of our team tell us there are five main reasons they joined Cerebras:

  • Build a breakthrough AI platform beyond the constraints of the GPU.
  • Publish and open source their cutting-edge AI research.
  • Work on one of the fastest AI supercomputers in the world.
  • Enjoy job stability with startup vitality.
  • Our simple, non-corporate work culture that respects individual beliefs.

Apply today and become part of the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in AI!

We celebrate different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe inclusive teams build better products and companies. We try every day to build a work environment that empowers people to do their best work through continuous learning, growth and support of those around them.

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Read the original posting

From Cerebras Systems's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 10, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

How Rolev.ai helps with this application

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Lead RTL Design Engineer role at Cerebras Systems?

The Lead RTL Design Engineer posting at Cerebras Systems states compensation of $200,000 – $299,000 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Cerebras Systems's official career site.

Where is the Lead RTL Design Engineer job at Cerebras Systems located?

This Lead RTL Design Engineer position at Cerebras Systems is located in Sunnyvale, CA (Hybrid). Always check Cerebras Systems's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.

What qualifications are required for Lead RTL Design Engineer at Cerebras Systems?

For the Lead RTL Design Engineer role, Cerebras Systems highlights 8+ years of relevant experience; a master's degree; experience with RTL design, front-end chip integration, TCP/IP, RDMA, PCIe. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.

How do I apply for the Lead RTL Design Engineer position at Cerebras Systems?

This listing links directly to Cerebras Systems's Ashby application page. You can apply directly on Cerebras Systems's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Ashby application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.