Principal ASIC Engineer (San Diego, CA)

About Synchron

Synchron’s vision is to build non-surgical brain–computer interfaces at global scale that protect the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and autonomy. Our first mission is to develop motor decoders that restore the ability of 15 million people with paralysis to interact with the digital world. Our second mission is to develop whole-brain cognitive decoders that enable hundreds of millions of people with cognitive decline to preserve and expand their agency as cognition changes over time. In pursuing these goals, we aim not only to help humans flourish, but also to drive fundamental discoveries in human intelligence. Our team operates at the intersection of healthcare and technology, translating breakthrough research into real-world, safety-critical systems.

Join us in shaping a more connected and accessible future.

Location: San Diego, CA, United States (on-site)

About the Job

Synchron is seeking an experienced Principal ASIC Engineer to own the architecture, specification, and delivery of our high-performance neural interface ASIC. You’ll work closely with our internal hardware and neuroscience teams while driving external ASIC vendors and design partners through all development phases — from early concept through production silicon.

This is a technical leadership role with high impact and broad scope. You’ll set design direction, ensure system alignment, and drive key decisions that balance performance, power, and scalability.

Responsibilities

• Architecture & Specifications:Define long-term ASIC architecture and top-level specifications for high-density neural signal acquisition and processing. Set design standards for ASICs that may affect multiple product lines.

• Technical Leadership:Provide technical leadership and accountability for multiple project teams, guiding them through complex design and verification challenges.

• Implementation & Verification:Oversee the entire design flow from RTL (Register-Transfer Level) implementation (using Verilog/SystemVerilog) through synthesis, timing analysis, and verification closure using methodologies like UVM (Universal Verification Methodology).

• Cross-functional Collaboration:Work closely with system architects, physical design, software, firmware, and validation teams to ensure seamless integration and system-level performance.

• Problem Solving & Debugging:Act as the escalation point for high-risk technical issues, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions during pre-silicon and post-silicon validation and debug.

• Mentoring & Process Improvement:Mentor senior and staff engineers, conduct design reviews, and recommend new tools and practices for continuous improvement in the ASIC design flow.

• Vendor & Project Management:Assist in interfacing with external ASIC vendors, managing project schedules and milestones, and balancing resource trade-offs across projects.

Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a related field.

• 5-10+ years of experience in ASIC/SoC design and development, with at least one full ASIC development cycle from concept to silicon.

• Technical Skills:

• Deep expertise in HDL (Hardware Description Languages) such as Verilog/VHDL and HVL (Hardware Verification Languages) like SystemVerilog.

• Proficiency with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools (e.g., Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor Graphics) for simulation, synthesis, and timing analysis.

• Strong knowledge of design principles including clock domain crossing (CDC), low-power design techniques, and Design for Testability (DFT).

• Demonstrated ability to architect and optimize ASICs for ultra-low-power operation, including sub-µW/channel front-ends, low-leakage circuits, and efficient power domains.

• Experience designing for microvolt-level biopotential signals with excellent linearity, dynamic range, and noise performance.

• Understanding of circuit and layout techniques to achieve high electrical isolation and minimize crosstalk across thousands of parallel acquisition channels.

• Hands-on experience analyzing and mitigating coupling, ground bounce, and substrate noise in dense mixed-signal designs.

• Ability to work across analog, digital, and packaging boundaries to ensure signal fidelity from sensor to system output.

• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Perl, Tcl) for automation.

• Soft Skills:

• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and data-driven decision-making skills.

• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, often global, teams.

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is USD 175,000 – USD 225,000 depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or equity grants subject to board approval and company policy.

Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.

Benefits (for W-2, full-time, exempt employees in the US only)

• Subsidized medical and dental insurance coverage for you and your dependent(s)

• Life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability

• 401k

• Discretionary unlimited PTO

• Flexible Spending Account for you and your dependent(s), with eligible plan elections

• Commuter benefits for NY employees

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Synchron is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

Join Us

At Synchron, you will be part of a transformative mission and you will work alongside driven people who believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to make a lasting impact. If you are excited to stretch your skills and contribute to something meaningful, apply and now and build the future with us.