Link Layer architect
Marvell · San Francisco Bay Area
📍 Santa Clara, CAvia workday
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About Marvell
Marvell’s semiconductor solutions are the essential building blocks of the data infrastructure that connects our world. Across enterprise, cloud and AI, and carrier architectures, our innovative technology is enabling new possibilities.
At Marvell, you can affect the arc of individual lives, lift the trajectory of entire industries, and fuel the transformative potential of tomorrow. For those looking to make their mark on purposeful and enduring innovation, above and beyond fleeting trends, Marvell is a place to thrive, learn, and lead.
Your Team, Your Impact
Marvell’s Compute and Custom Solutions organization (CCS) is looking for a talented senior ASIC link layer architect to join our architecture team. This team acts as the central technical interface to our datacenter clients. It is responsible for the overall technology choice, silicon partitioning strategy, IP definition and selection and architectural guidance of datacenter products (SmartNIC, servers, AI accelerators and switches, mainly) for the main hyperscalers and companies worldwide. We actively participate in the definition of next generation datacenter products with our clients and respond to their ASIC RFQs. Role spans engagement with both customers and internal technology teams to define the best solution to the custom product needs and includes all functions required to build, test and manufacture an advanced custom silicon System in a Package.
What You Can Expect
We are seeking a senior Link Layer Architect to own the end-to-end architecture of link layer solutions across high-speed interconnect protocols including Ethernet, Cus tom link- layers and Die-to-Die (D2D) interfaces.
This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of high-speed interconnect technologies at Marvell, engaging with customers to enable next-generation computing and communication systems as an integral part of the Custom Solutions Architecture team .
Architecture & Technical Leadership
Define and develop link layer architectures for various high-speed interconnects (Ethernet and custom link - layers )
Drive link layer architecture in the context of full-system performance, power, reliability and scalability goals
Create architectural specifications and design documents for link layer protocols and implementations
Drive technical decisions on link layer features including error correction, flow control, retry mechanisms, and data integrity
Evaluate and recommend new link layer technologies and standards for next-generation products and custom solutions
Lead architecture reviews and provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams
System Integration & Optimization
Define interfaces between link layer, transaction layer, and physical layer
Optimize link efficiency, latency, and bandwidth utilization
Standards & Industry Engagement
Stay current with emerging link layer standards and technologies
Contribute to specification development and review
Ensure compliance with industry standards and specifications
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Engage directly with customers on architecture discussions, including requirements definition, architectural alignment, and design trade-offs
Work closely with PHY architects, system architects, and ASIC design teams
Partner with verification teams to define test plans and coverage strategies
Support hardware bring-up and validation teams with technical expertise
Innovation & Technology Development
Research and evaluate new link layer technologies and approaches
Develop proof-of-concept implementations for novel link layer features
Create reusable IP blocks and architectural frameworks
Drive continuous improvement in link layer performance and reliability
Documentation & Knowledge Sharing
Create comprehensive architecture specifications and design documentation
Develop datasheets, integration guides, and reference designs
Present technical concepts to internal teams and external customers
Mentor engineers and share link layer expertise across the organization
What We're Looking For
Technical Expertise
Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in link-layer design and architecture
Deep understanding of Ethernet link layer IEEE 802.3 (100G and 200G )
Strong knowledge of link layer protocols, error detection/correction, and reliability mechanisms
Experience with FEC implementations (Reed-Solomon, Hamming, BCH, etc.)
Understanding of link training, equalization, and physical layer interaction
Architecture Skills
Proven track record of defining successful system architectures
Experience guiding RTL design and verification, including design reviews and architectural trade-offs (hands-on experience a plus)
Understanding of SerDes/PHY interfaces and requirements
Communication & Leadership
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
Experience leading cross-functional technical initiatives
Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities
Preferred Qualifications
MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
Experience with chiplet architectures and advanced packaging
Prior involvement in industry standards organizations
Knowledge of network protocol stacks and system architecture
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking and long-term technology planning
Innovation and creative problem-solving
Collaborative and team-oriented approach
Customer focus and business acumen
Adaptability to emerging technologies
Attention to detail and quality
Expected Base Pay Range (USD)
191,530 - 286,900, $ per annum
The successful candidate’s starting base pay will be deter
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