Senior Digital Design and RISC-V Architecture Engineer

RoleThe Chips-IT Foundation is seeking seeking Senior Researchers to lead and contribute to cutting-edge research and development initiatives centered on digital design and RISC-V architectures. The project focuses on the development of advanced digital processors, accelerators, and custom SoCs based on the RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA), as well as domain-specific hardware accelerators.This role will involve leading the design, optimization, and verification of high-performance, low-power digital systems for next-generation computing platforms, IoT, and embedded applications. Senior Researchers will play a key role in defining design methodologies, driving innovation in hardware-software co-design, and contributing to the advancement of the RISC-V ecosystem at both technical and strategic levels. The work can be carried out either in Pavia or in Bologna.Key Responsibilities:- Lead research and development activities in digital design, including processors, accelerators, and SoCs based on RISC-V architecture. - Define and guide the architecture, design, implementation, and verification of complex digital subsystems (Processors, Accelerators, Memory and Communication Subsystems, etc.). - Supervise and mentor junior researchers, including Master’s and PhD students, across multiple research and development projects. - Develop and disseminate research outcomes through publications in high-impact scientific journals and presentations at leading international conferences. - Drive the adoption of emerging methodologies in digital design, verification, and hardware/software co-design. - Collaborate with industry and academic partners, contributing technical leadership and vision to multi-stakeholder projects. - Support the development of project proposals and strategic R&D initiatives aligned with national and international funding opportunities.Required Qualifications:- Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on digital design and processor architectures (Mandatory). - At least 10 years of experience in digital hardware design, preferably with a mix of academic and industrial exposure. - Deep proficiency in hardware description languages (Verilog, VHDL) and digital design toolchains for synthesis, simulation, and verification (Mandatory). - Extensive experience with RISC-V architecture, including custom ISA extensions, microarchitecture design, and hardware-software co-design. - Hands-on experience with tape-outs and chip bring-up in advanced CMOS/FinFET technology nodes (28nm, 16nm, or below). - Proven knowledge in FPGA/ASIC design flows, integration of complex SoCs, and system-level verification.What we offer- Competitive compensation and contract type, to be negotiated based on qualifications and experience - Lunch tickets - Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract - Structured growth path, with ongoing access to training and updates - Networking opportunities with industry-leading professionals - International environment - Hybrid work policy - Tax deductions: Candidates from abroad, comprising Italian citizens, who have carried scientific research activity abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a taxable income deduction up to 90% for a period of 6 to 13 yearsAbout Fondazione Chips-ITThe Foundation “Italian Center for the Design of Semiconductor Integrated Circuits,” also known as the Chips-IT Foundation, is a nonprofit research and technology organization under the supervision of the Ministries of Industry.The Foundation is Italy's first RTO (Research and Technology Organization) vertically focused on semiconductor research and stands as a center of excellence in frontier research on semiconductor design, as well as a pivotal center of the Italian semiconductor ecosystem and expertise.Missions of the Foundation:- promote the design and development of integrated circuits - strengthen the system of professional training in the field of microelectronics - ensure the establishment of a network of universities, research centers and enterprises that fosters innovation and technology