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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Engineer, Architecture (USB Systems & IP) - **Company:** Lattice Semiconductor - **Location:** Hillsboro, OR, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Application Frameworks, Booting (BIOS), Computer Engineering, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Software Debugging, Linux, Device Drivers, Middleware, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Internet Protocol, Interoperability, Linux Kernel, PCI Express, Software Architecture, Real-Time Operating Systems, Subsystems, Systems Architecture, System Software, Systems Integration, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, USB, Serial Peripheral Interface, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Information Technology, U-Boot - **Published:** November 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-engineer-architecture-usb-systems-ip-hillsboro-or--0a19701a-d86b-4abf-8733-963350a12b64 ## About the Role The ideal candidate combines deep USB protocol expertise with hands-on experience developing USB devices, embedded firmware, software stacks, and USB controller architectures. This role requires both technical leadership and strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to influence product strategy and drive complex architectural initiatives from concept through deployment., * M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. * 12+ years of industry experience in semiconductor, embedded systems, FPGA, ASIC, or SoC development. * Demonstrated technical leadership experience at the subsystem or system architecture level. * Deep understanding of USB protocols and architectures, including: * USB 2.0 * USB 3.x SuperSpeed * USB Type-C * USB Power Delivery (PD) * USB hubs and bridges * Device, host, and OTG implementations * Hands-on experience developing USB-based applications and products. * Experience implementing or integrating USB device, host, or dual-role solutions. * Strong understanding of the USB controller IP ecosystem, including: * Host controllers * Device controllers * Dual-role controllers * USB PHY architectures * DMA and data movement architectures * Industry-standard third-party USB IP offerings * Experience developing embedded firmware for USB-based systems and applications. * Experience with USB boot loaders, firmware update mechanisms, device management, and enumeration flows. * Experience developing reference software, middleware, BSPs, or USB application frameworks. * Experience with USB application driver development, device drivers, kernel-level software, or system software integration. * Strong understanding of embedded processors, RTOS environments, and firmware/software partitioning. * Experience debugging complex HW/FW/SW interactions using protocol analyzers, logic analyzers, and software debugging tools. * Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions across architecture, design, software, validation, and product organizations. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications * Familiarity with FPGA architectures and FPGA-based USB implementations. * Experience with Linux USB subsystems, driver frameworks, and kernel development. * Experience with Windows USB driver development and device certification processes. * Knowledge of PCIe, Ethernet, MIPI, UART, SPI, I2C, or other common embedded interfaces. * Experience with USB compliance testing and certification. * Experience evaluating make-versus-buy decisions for third-party IP and ecosystem software. * Understanding of security concepts including secure boot, device authentication, firmware integrity, and trusted update mechanisms. * Experience working directly with strategic customers and ecosystem partners. * Prior participation in standards development organizations or industry consortiums. Leadership Expectations ## Description Lattice Semiconductor is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Engineer to join our Architecture team. In this role, you will serve as a technical leader defining next-generation USB solutions across FPGA, SoC FPGA, and system platforms. You will work closely with architecture, silicon design, software, applications, product planning, and ecosystem partners to develop innovative USB-based solutions that enable differentiated customer experiences., * Define architecture and technical requirements for future USB subsystem solutions across FPGA and SoC product families. * Serve as the company-wide subject matter expert for USB technologies including USB 2.0, USB 3.x, USB Type-C, USB Power Delivery (PD), and related ecosystem standards. * Evaluate, select, and guide integration of third-party USB controller, PHY, and protocol IP solutions. * Drive architecture studies, competitive analysis, and technology assessments related to USB connectivity, embedded systems, and customer applications. * Collaborate with silicon design teams to define USB subsystem architectures, performance targets, configurability, and integration requirements. * Work closely with firmware and software teams to define reference platforms, software architecture, and production-ready solutions. * Partner with applications engineering and strategic customers to understand emerging requirements and translate them into product roadmap recommendations. * Develop technical specifications, architectural proposals, white papers, and executive-level presentations. * Contribute to system-level validation, interoperability testing, and compliance strategies. * Mentor engineers across multiple disciplines and provide technical guidance on complex USB-related challenges. * Engage with standards organizations, ecosystem partners, and industry forums as required to support technology strategy., As a Principal Engineer, you will be expected to: * Provide technical leadership across multiple product generations. * Influence product and technology strategy through data-driven architectural analysis. * Mentor engineers and foster engineering excellence across the organization. * Drive consensus among diverse stakeholders while maintaining focus on customer value and product differentiation. * Independently lead complex initiatives with minimal supervision. * Identify emerging technology trends and recommend strategic investments aligned with company objectives. Pay & Benefits Consistent with Lattice Semiconductor values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. We have a market-based pay structure which varies by location. Please note that the base pay range is a guideline, and our compensation range reflects the cost of labor in the U.S. geographic market based on the location of the role. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and relevant work experience.