Lead Networking Architect

Our client, a fast-growing deep-tech company building next-generation AI infrastructure, is looking for an exceptional Lead Networking Architect to drive the architecture of a new AI SuperNIC and scale-out networking solution.

This is the highest-priority role in the company and a rare opportunity to influence the architecture of a cutting-edge AI accelerator platform used in next-generation data centers.

** About the Company**

Our client is a 5-year-old AI semiconductor startup developing:

- AI SuperNIC- AI compute solutions- Next-generation CPU and networking technologies

The company has already completed a successful tape-out and launched a working product.
~70 employees globally; a highly technical, senior, and innovation-driven environment.
Flat hierarchy, fast decision-making, and direct collaboration with VP VLSI and the CEO.

**Role Overview**

As the Lead Networking Architect, you will define and shape the networking architecture of the company’s next-generation AI SuperNIC - focused on ultra-low latency, scale-out communication, and advanced data-center networking protocols.

You will collaborate closely with VLSI, firmware, software, and AI platform teams, and play a critical role in key architectural decisions.

** Key Responsibilities**- Architect the scale-out communication layer of the AI SuperNIC.- Define system-level networking requirements for hardware, firmware, and software.- Lead performance modeling, simulations, benchmarking, and optimization.- Evaluate and integrate advanced standards: RoCEv2, RDMA, UEC, UALink, NVLink, NVMe-oF.- Collaborate with internal R&D teams and external partners/customers.- Drive innovation in data-center interconnects and AI networking solutions.

**Requirements**:

- 10+ years in networking, system architecture, NIC/DPU/SoC development, or HPC networking.- Strong expertise in RDMA, RoCEv2, NVMe-oF, and high-performance networking.- Deep understanding of networking protocols, scale-out architectures, and low-latency design.- Experience working across hardware + firmware + driver/software.- Ability to lead architectural definitions, system modeling, and performance analysis.- Experience in NIC, SmartNIC, DPU, networking silicon, or data-center interconnects is required.

**Why This Role Is Exceptional**- Work on state-of-the-art AI networking technology with massive industry impact.- Direct influence on architectural decisions — no bureaucracy, fast execution.- Build a product that challenges industry leaders (Nvidia, Marvell, Intel).- Join a highly senior engineering team where your expertise truly matters.- Opportunity to shape a new category of AI infrastructure.

**Location & Work Model**- Israel - onsite- Europe / US - remote acceptable- Must be able to work Israel-aligned working hours (flexible)

B2B arrangements in Europe; direct employment in Israel; other geographies flexible.

**Compensation**

The company is ready to offer a highly competitive package for the right expert.
Compensation is flexible and depends on experience and impact level.

**Hiring Process**:

- 30-minute prescreen call with an external recruiter - evaluation of core networking and architecture experience.- Initial phone interview with HR to confirm background and role expectations.- Technical interview loop with senior architects and engineering leadership.- Final interview with the COO (mandatory step for all architect-level roles).- HR interview (if needed) + offer.

**_
Interested?_**

**_ If you are a senior networking architect passionate about building the future of AI infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you._