Staff RTL Design Engineer

Staff RTL Design Engineer Overview

This is a senior RTL design opportunity within a global semiconductor business that is building next-generation processor technology. The company is a recognised leader in CPU innovation and is developing advanced compute platforms that are influencing the future of high-performance computing. With substantial investment behind the business, an ambitious roadmap, and highly challenging technical work, the role offers the chance to solve complex engineering problems and help shape the direction of modern processor design.

The technology developed by the team supports demanding applications across artificial intelligence, machine learning, automotive systems, data centres, mobile devices, and consumer electronics. The architecture is built around a highly scalable open processor approach, giving customers flexibility while aiming to deliver strong performance and power efficiency. As the organisation expands internationally, it is seeking an experienced RTL engineer to contribute to the next generation of world-class processors.

What you will do

• Join a team of highly skilled engineers responsible for creating advanced CPU cores.
• Contribute across the complete RTL design flow, helping to develop cutting-edge processor blocks from concept through implementation.
• Work alongside architects and design specialists on technically demanding CPU development projects.
• Help deliver processor technology that will be used in future AI, cloud, automotive, embedded, and other high-performance systems.
• Bring strong engineering discipline to the design process, with an emphasis on quality, robustness, and careful attention to detail.

What the employer is looking for

• A degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a similar subject, or equivalent industry experience.
• At least six years of RTL design experience.
• Experience with CPU RTL design gained either in academia or in industry.
• Strong RTL development skills using Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL.
• A good software engineering background, including familiarity with object-oriented and functional programming methods.
• Programming experience in C, C++, and Python.
• Understanding of compiler-related infrastructure, particularly domain-specific languages.
• Experience using test-driven development methods and writing adaptive unit tests.
• A careful, detail-oriented approach and a strong commitment to producing dependable, high-quality work.
• Useful additional knowledge includes RISC-V architecture.
• Further advantage will be given to candidates with deep knowledge of one or more CPU microarchitecture areas such as instruction fetch, instruction decode, register renaming, instruction scheduling, vector processing, or load-store units.
• Experience with verification techniques such as testbench development, UVM, and functional coverage is also desirable.

Why this role stands out

This position offers the opportunity to work on technology that is helping define the future of compute. You will collaborate with some of the most capable CPU engineers in the industry, take on challenging architectural problems, and contribute to products that will power future AI, cloud, automotive, and embedded applications.

The engineering environment is collaborative and highly technical, with genuine ownership for engineers and a strong emphasis on innovation and continuous learning.

Package and support

• Highly competitive base pay.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Company share options or equity participation.
• A broad benefits package.
• Relocation support for experienced CPU design engineers moving from elsewhere in Europe.
• Visa sponsorship for exceptional candidates, including applicants already in the UK and those applying from overseas.

How to apply

Interested candidates can apply through the job advert. The listing also provides direct contact details for the recruiter, Rachel Mason, Business Manager in Semiconductors, including a phone number and email address, and offers the option to request a call or connect via LinkedIn. The page also includes an application route to submit a CV.

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s

Visa Sponsorship Promising