Platform Hardware Architect – Validation Board - Cambridge

microTECH Global Limited; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking an experienced Platform Hardware Architect to support the development of high-performance platform boards in Cambridge. The role involves collaborating with multiple teams to define architecture specifications and drive implementations. Ideal candidates should have over 10 years of experience in embedded design, proficiency in high-speed interfaces, and excellent communication skills. This is a hybrid contract position for 12 months, involving 3 days onsite and 2 days remote work.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with SoC architectures and memory interfaces.
• Proficient in high-speed interface standards like PCIe Gen5/6.
• Hands-on with complex embedded firmware and power management ICs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to define platform architecture specifications.
• Evaluate architecture proposals across multiple teams.
• Drive specifications into implementation with board hardware designers.

Skills

SoC architectures

High-speed interface standards

Embedded system board design

EDA tools (Cadence OrCAD CIS, Allegro PCB Suite)

Communication skills

Tools

Cadence OrCAD CIS

Allegro PCB Suite

Job description

Job Title: Platform Hardware Architect – Validation Board
Location: Cambridge, UK (Hybrid: 3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
Contract Type: 12-month contract, inside IR35

Role

We are seeking an experienced (>10 years) Hardware Platform Architect to support the development of high-performance platform boards. You will work with SoC teams, architects, and platform leads to define, influence, and align technical requirements for implementation. Your role will involve assessing design trade‑offs and delivering the most optimal solutions for customers and development partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with technical leads, product managers, and SoC development teams to translate technical requirements into platform architecture specifications for embedded compute, AI, or server/infrastructure applications.
• Evaluate architecture proposals and features, coordinating across silicon architects, hardware, software, and platform teams to align all parties to a common vision.
• Work closely with board hardware designers to drive specifications into implementation, including schematic and PCB design, in alignment with Packaging, Signal Integrity (SI), and Power Integrity (PI) engineers.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and credibly to a range of audiences, from individual engineers to architects and technology leads.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Extensive technical experience and solid understanding of SoC architectures, memory interfaces, and platform design in embedded compute or related fields.
• Proven experience with high-speed interface standards (e.g., PCIe Gen5/6, LPDDR5/6) and associated peripherals.
• Hands‑on experience with embedded system board design, including complex LSI devices such as FPGAs, embedded firmware, and power management ICs.
• Competence in using EDA tools for schematic entry and PCB layout (e.g., Cadence OrCAD CIS, Allegro PCB Suite).
• Strong knowledge of PCB stack‑up definition, controlled impedance routing, and complex topologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate and influence across multiple teams and geographies.
• Ability to drive progress in an ambiguous, evolving environment.

Working Pattern

• Hybrid working: 3 days onsite in Cambridge, 2 days remote per week.
• Contract duration: 12 months.
• Inside IR35.