Senior Digital IC Design Engineer (AI / Compute)
Cardiff
Join a company who are building a next-generation design house focused on AI, advanced compute, and emerging semiconductor technologies.
This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage and define how digital design is done, technically and culturally. You’ll support and lead the development of AI and compute-focused ICs, working from architecture through RTL to silicon and have the opportunity to support and mentor the 6 graduates within the group.
This role is well suited to someone motivated by the opportunity to give back to the industry sharing their experience, mentoring the next generation, and helping shape the growth of an emerging company. It will appeal most to individuals driven by impact, ownership, and legacy, rather than those primarily focused on compensation.
Why This Role Is Different
- Foundational impact – shape the technical direction and standards from day one
- Real ownership – no layers of management, no waiting for instructions
- End-to-end exposure – architecture → RTL → tapeout → silicon validation
- Variety of work – customer projects + in-house IP development
- Startup agility – fast decisions, minimal bureaucracy, high trust
What You’ll Be Doing
- Define digital architectures for AI accelerators, data paths, and SoC subsystems
- Develop high-quality, synthesizable RTL (Verilog/SystemVerilog).
- Run synthesis, STA, and DFT using industry-standard digital design tools
- Lead design reviews and help establish best practices and design flows
- Support tapeout and bring-up, including hands-on silicon validation
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to building team capability
- Contribute to internal IP development alongside customer delivery
What they’re Looking For
- Strong background in digital IC design (senior-level experience)
- Experience with a tape out.
- Solid understanding of SoC design and PPA trade-offs
- Confident working across the full design lifecycle
- Comfortable taking ownership and making technical decisions
- Strong communication skills and team mindset
- DSP, CPU/GPU/NPU is advantageous but not essential.
What You’ll Get
- The chance to build something from the ground up
- Work on cutting-edge AI and compute silicon
- High autonomy and real technical ownership
- A collaborative, engineering-led culture
- Opportunity to shape both technology and team
You will be required to work onsite, ideally 4-5 days per week initially to support the graduates. On offer is a base salary upto £80,000 + shares + bonus + an excellent pension scheme.
You must have UK working rights.