Contract - Principal Engineer, NPU ASIC RTL Design

Company: Cariad, Inc.
Location: Mountain View
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Contract to Hire: Principal Engineer, NPU ASIC RTL Design Mountain View, CA Hybrid We are CARIAD , an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We're looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we'll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it. ? Role Summary: The Principal Engineer, NPU ASIC RTL Design within the NPU Hardware & Software organization, is a senior individual contributor role for an engineer with deep expertise in RTL design and development for complex digital systems, including neural processing units (NPUs) or similar advanced computing architectures. This role provides expert-level technical leadership across architecture, design, implementation, and validation of critical NPU subsystems used in ADAS, autonomous driving, and in-vehicle AI applications. This role leads the development of complete hardware subsystems, shapes RTL design methodologies, influences architectural decisions, and ensures delivery of high performance, power efficient, and scalable silicon. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the role partners closely with architecture, software, verification, and platform teams, and contribute to the technical direction of CARIAD's hardware platforms. Role Responsibilities: RTL Design & Architecture Lead the design and implementation of complex RTL blocks, modules, and subsystems using Verilog/SystemVerilog for NPU architectures. Collaborate with system and microarchitecture architects to define and refine specifications, translating requirements into robust RTL solutions. Drive architectural and RTL decisions to optimize performance, power efficiency, and area (PPA) for AI workloads. Design and optimize compute engines, data paths, and memory hierarchies for high bandwidth, latency sensitive neural network processing. Design Optimization & Performance Analysis Own timing analysis and timing closure strategies for complex designs, identifying and resolving critical paths. Apply advanced low power techniques, including clock gating and power aware design methodologies, to meet aggressive power targets. Lead area optimization efforts while preserving functional correctness and performance goals. Ensure testability by guiding and implementing design for test (DFT) strategies to support silicon validation and manufacturing readiness. Integration, Validation & Technical Leadership Provide technical leadership during RTL integration, working closely with verification teams on simulation, emulation, and FPGA prototyping. Partner with software, hardware, and system teams to ensure seamless integration of the NPU into the broader vehicle compute platform. Review designs, mentor engineers, and set best practices for RTL quality, correctness, and maintainability. Author and review technical documentation, including design specifications, architecture reviews, and implementation guidelines. Technology Direction & Cross Functional Influence Influence RTL and hardware development methodologies across programs, contributing to consistency and scalability of design practices. Evaluate emerging tools, technologies, and design approaches relevant to AI accelerators and automotive hardware platforms. Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders, supporting informed decision making. General Skills: Expert communicator across global, cross-cultural, and cross-functional teams. Strong analytical, system level, and architectural thinking. Proven ability to lead technical initiatives without direct authority. High bar for design correctness, validation, and quality. Collaborative mindset across hardware, software, and verification organizations. ?Required Specialized Skills: Extensive experience in RTL design using Verilog/SystemVerilog for complex digital systems, preferably NPUs or AI accelerators. Proficiency with EDA tools for synthesis, simulation, and timing analysis (Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor). Strong understanding of computer architecture, microarchitecture, and hardware/software co?design. Experience with FPGA prototyping, emulation platforms (e.g., VCS, Palladium), and HW/SW co-verification. Scripting experience (Python, Perl) for automation and productivity. Deep knowledge of low power design and power optimization techniques. Demonstrated track record of delivering complex RTL designs from concept through silicon production. ?Desired Skills: Knowledge of ADAS and automotive hardware requirements. Experience with AI/ML acceleration and neural network processing architectures. Background in high performance and parallel computing design. Familiarity with functional safety concepts (ISO 26262) and safety critical hardware design. Experience with advanced semiconductor process nodes and associated challenges. Exposure to GenAI assisted engineering tools and modern, AI augmented development workflows. ?Workplace Flexibility: Occasional travel may be required, less than 5% ?Years of Relevant Experience: 12 years of experience in RTL design and development for complex digital systems, NPUs, or related advanced computing architectures. ?Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering. ?Desired Education: Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering. Workplace Flexibility: ?This is a contract W2 position Compensation: $108.00 - $115.00/hr This role is based in Mountain View, CA. Must be local, no relocation. Immediate availability is required. The selected candidate is expected to start promptly upon offer acceptance and pending successful completion of a standard background check and drug screening Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future We do not accept C2C (Corp-to-Corp), 1099, or third-party agency submissions for this position

Keywords: Cariad, Inc., Rancho Cordova , Contract - Principal Engineer, NPU ASIC RTL Design, Engineering , Mountain View, California