Principal ASIC Architect, Analog/Mixed-Signal

About Us

Epia Neuro is a neural technology company developing intent-driven systems designed to restore function and independence for people living with neurological conditions. Its platform integrates implantable neural interfaces, adaptive algorithms, and assistive devices to translate neural intent into real-world action. The company's initial focus is stroke-related motor impairment, with expansion into cognitive decline and other neurological disorders, focusing on long-term solutions for the growing aging population.

The Role

We're looking for a Principal ASIC Architect to own the custom analog/mixed-signal ASIC at the heart of our implantable system. You'll own the chip architecture end to end: turning system requirements and early design work into the blueprint the team builds from - a complete design specification and implementation plan, revised wherever the requirements or silicon reality demand it. You'll personally design the most critical analog blocks at transistor level, direct the rest, and carry the chip through tapeout and silicon bring-up. On a small team, you'll make the calls a larger company would split across several people, and you'll own the results.

What You'll Do

• Own the chip-level architecture: turn system requirements and our existing architecture concept into a complete, reviewable design specification and implementation plan

• Personally design the most critical low-noise, ultra-low-power analog and mixed-signal blocks for an implantable device (e.g., neural recording front-ends, ADCs, references, clocking, power management), and direct the design of the rest across the team and partners

• Run the full verification loop: pre- and post-layout simulation, corners and Monte Carlo, and SOA/reliability/aging checks appropriate for a long-life implant

• Build behavioral models (Verilog-A/AMS, SystemVerilog) to support top-level and mixed-signal verification

• Drive process/foundry, IP, and vendor decisions (foundry, layout, OSAT/packaging, test services)

• Lead design reviews, mentor engineers, and set documentation and design-reproducibility standards for the team

• Work closely with layout, digital, system, and test engineers, and own post-silicon bring-up and debug in our lab

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience owning AMS IC designs, with multiple tapeouts carried through to silicon validation

• Lead the architecture or analog specification of at least one chip from concept to silicon

• Deep transistor-level expertise in low-noise and/or ultra-low-power precision analog

• Strong reliability-first design approach: ESD, device breakdown/SOA, aging, and yield

• Fluency in the Cadence Virtuoso/Spectre flow and a Linux-based, scripted, version-controlled design environment

• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field (MS or PhD preferred)

Nice to Have

• ASIC design for biomedical, implantable, or neural-interface applications

• High-voltage or specialty process experience (e.g., BCD, SOI)

• Experience working directly with foundries and OSATs, including process selection and packaging decisions

• Familiarity with medical-device development under design controls (e.g., ISO 13485 / FDA QMSR) or active-implant standards (e.g., ISO 14708)

• Experience with open-source IC tools or flows

• Prior experience at an early-stage company or as a first/senior analog hire

How We Work

• We are intentional. We prioritize and are thoughtful about how we use others' time.

• We care for others. We prioritize safety both for patients and one another.

• We own outcomes, not just tasks. Our work demands the highest standards because it impacts real patients and real lives.

• Humility is a strength. We are honest about what we know and what we don't know. Getting it right matters more than being right.

Location

This role is based in Alameda, CA, on site 4 days a week - hands-on lab access and bring-up are part of the job.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with equity

• 100% of healthcare coverage for you and your dependents

• Generous vacation policy

• Paid parental leave

• Work from our waterfront office in Alameda, CA, with access to collaborative spaces and labs