H-1B Visa SoC Design Engineer Jobs
SoC Design Engineer jobs with H-1B visa sponsorship sit squarely in specialty occupation territory: the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field. Employers file a Labor Condition Application with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, covering you for up to three years with extensions to six.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
MaxLinear is seeking a Senior Principal Digital SoC Design Engineer to join our Analog Mixed Signal (AMS) group in San Jose, CA. The AMS team develops a broad portfolio of integrated solutions spanning high speed and embedded connectivity interfaces (bridges, serial transceivers, isolators) and power management, supporting data center, industrial, and embedded platforms. In this role, you will lead digital architecture and RTL for a roadmap of products ranging from USB-based connectivity bridges to PCIe-to-USB host bridge devices, to complex embedded-processor SoCs for data center platform management.
Responsibilities
- Lead digital architecture and RTL for USB device-side connectivity bridges, including multi-port serial (UART), I²C/SPI/GPIO bridging, endpoint/FIFO architecture, flow control, and OTP-based configurability and customization
- Architect and integrate PCIe-to-USB host bridge solutions, including PCIe endpoint and USB host controller (xHCI) integration, DMA engines, buffer management, interrupt and power-state handling, and driver-visible register architecture
- Define and lead digital architecture for complex embedded-processor SoCs for data center platform management, including multi-core Arm subsystems, memory controllers, high speed host interfaces, sideband management buses, and peripheral-rich I/O
- Drive platform security and management features, including secure boot, hardware root of trust, cryptographic checksum generator and checker, and host-to-management communication paths
- Maximize reuse of existing digital IP across product generations, and drive make, reuse, or license decisions for USB, PCIe, and other interface controllers and PHYs
- Define on-chip interconnect, clock/reset, low-power, and DFT architecture, and own RTL quality through lint, CDC/RDC, synthesis, timing constraints, and implementation closure
- Set verification strategy with the DV team, including compliance and interoperability readiness, emulation/FPGA prototyping, and firmware/driver co-verification
- Partner closely with analog/mixed-signal, PHY, firmware, software, package, test, and applications teams from concept through silicon bring up, compliance, qualification, and production
- Mentor senior engineers, lead design reviews, and act as the digital technical authority across connectivity and SoC roadmap
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep hands-on expertise in SystemVerilog/Verilog RTL design, SoC micro-architecture, and complex top-level integration
- Strong working knowledge of USB 2.0/3.x device and host architectures (including xHCI) and PCIe endpoint architecture, with experience integrating licensed controller and PHY IP
- Experience with serial and peripheral interfaces (UART, I²C/I3C, SPI, GPIO) and bridge-type data paths, FIFOs, and DMA
- Experience integrating embedded Arm processor subsystems, DDR/memory controllers, bus fabrics (AMBA AXI/AHB/APB), and security IP; familiarity with data center server management concepts (e.g., eSPI, I3C, MCTP, hardware root of trust) is a strong plus
- Strong understanding of clock/reset, CDC/RDC, low-power design, timing constraints, synthesis, DFT, and physical design trade-offs
- Track record delivering multiple SoCs from architecture through tapeout, silicon bring up, compliance certification, and high-volume production
- Experience working with external design partners and IP vendors, and ability to lead technically across multiple disciplines and global teams
- BS in Electrical Engineering or related + 15 years of experience, or MS + 12 years of experience, or Ph.D. + 9 years of experience
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
MaxLinear has a Total Compensation philosophy which includes base salary and annual discretionary bonus eligibility and many positions also include stock-based compensation.
MaxLinear's good faith estimate starting base salary range is: $200,000 to $250,000 Annually
We offer competitive benefits designed to support employee health, welfare, and retirement and some highlights are: health care benefits, 401k savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and paid time off.
The actual starting base salary will be determined by the match to certain role-related criteria such as educational degree(s) or equivalent, relevant work experience, skillset needed for the role, and geographic location; this is not an all-inclusive list as some roles may require unique skills or experience.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
INTRODUCTION
MaxLinear is seeking a Senior Principal Digital SoC Design Engineer to join our Analog Mixed Signal (AMS) group in San Jose, CA. The AMS team develops a broad portfolio of integrated solutions spanning high speed and embedded connectivity interfaces (bridges, serial transceivers, isolators) and power management, supporting data center, industrial, and embedded platforms. In this role, you will lead digital architecture and RTL for a roadmap of products ranging from USB-based connectivity bridges to PCIe-to-USB host bridge devices, to complex embedded-processor SoCs for data center platform management.
Responsibilities
- Lead digital architecture and RTL for USB device-side connectivity bridges, including multi-port serial (UART), I²C/SPI/GPIO bridging, endpoint/FIFO architecture, flow control, and OTP-based configurability and customization
- Architect and integrate PCIe-to-USB host bridge solutions, including PCIe endpoint and USB host controller (xHCI) integration, DMA engines, buffer management, interrupt and power-state handling, and driver-visible register architecture
- Define and lead digital architecture for complex embedded-processor SoCs for data center platform management, including multi-core Arm subsystems, memory controllers, high speed host interfaces, sideband management buses, and peripheral-rich I/O
- Drive platform security and management features, including secure boot, hardware root of trust, cryptographic checksum generator and checker, and host-to-management communication paths
- Maximize reuse of existing digital IP across product generations, and drive make, reuse, or license decisions for USB, PCIe, and other interface controllers and PHYs
- Define on-chip interconnect, clock/reset, low-power, and DFT architecture, and own RTL quality through lint, CDC/RDC, synthesis, timing constraints, and implementation closure
- Set verification strategy with the DV team, including compliance and interoperability readiness, emulation/FPGA prototyping, and firmware/driver co-verification
- Partner closely with analog/mixed-signal, PHY, firmware, software, package, test, and applications teams from concept through silicon bring up, compliance, qualification, and production
- Mentor senior engineers, lead design reviews, and act as the digital technical authority across connectivity and SoC roadmap
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep hands-on expertise in SystemVerilog/Verilog RTL design, SoC micro-architecture, and complex top-level integration
- Strong working knowledge of USB 2.0/3.x device and host architectures (including xHCI) and PCIe endpoint architecture, with experience integrating licensed controller and PHY IP
- Experience with serial and peripheral interfaces (UART, I²C/I3C, SPI, GPIO) and bridge-type data paths, FIFOs, and DMA
- Experience integrating embedded Arm processor subsystems, DDR/memory controllers, bus fabrics (AMBA AXI/AHB/APB), and security IP; familiarity with data center server management concepts (e.g., eSPI, I3C, MCTP, hardware root of trust) is a strong plus
- Strong understanding of clock/reset, CDC/RDC, low-power design, timing constraints, synthesis, DFT, and physical design trade-offs
- Track record delivering multiple SoCs from architecture through tapeout, silicon bring up, compliance certification, and high-volume production
- Experience working with external design partners and IP vendors, and ability to lead technically across multiple disciplines and global teams
- BS in Electrical Engineering or related + 15 years of experience, or MS + 12 years of experience, or Ph.D. + 9 years of experience
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
MaxLinear has a Total Compensation philosophy which includes base salary and annual discretionary bonus eligibility and many positions also include stock-based compensation.
MaxLinear's good faith estimate starting base salary range is: $200,000 to $250,000 Annually
We offer competitive benefits designed to support employee health, welfare, and retirement and some highlights are: health care benefits, 401k savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and paid time off.
The actual starting base salary will be determined by the match to certain role-related criteria such as educational degree(s) or equivalent, relevant work experience, skillset needed for the role, and geographic location; this is not an all-inclusive list as some roles may require unique skills or experience.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a SoC Design Engineer
Align your degree to the SOC code
SoC Design Engineers typically map to SOC 17-2061 (Computer Hardware Engineers). Pull the O*NET profile for that code and confirm your degree field matches the listed education requirements before applying. Misaligned credentials are the most common cause of specialty occupation RFEs.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating offers
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your metro area first so you understand the wage floor before salary discussions begin.
Target companies with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to browse SoC Design Engineer roles at employers with verified H-1B LCA sponsorship history. Filtering by companies already filing for this SOC code cuts out employers who have never navigated chip-design specialty occupation petitions.
Confirm each worksite appears on its own LCA
If your role involves work at multiple facilities, fabs, or client sites, each location requires its own certified LCA. Raise this with the hiring team during the offer stage so USCIS doesn't flag uncertified worksites after the I-129 is filed.
Request premium processing if your start date is firm
USCIS adjudicates I-129 petitions under premium processing within 15 business days. For SoC roles tied to tapeout schedules or product launch milestones, ask your employer to include premium processing when they file so your status clears before the project starts.
Document proprietary tool experience for the petition
Specialty occupation petitions for SoC engineers are stronger when job duties reference degree-specific tasks: RTL design, physical verification, or DFT methodology. Provide your employer's attorney with a list of EDA tools and design flows you've used so the I-129 reflects genuine technical depth.
H-1B Visa SoC Design Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does SoC Design Engineer qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. SoC Design Engineer roles consistently require at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a directly related field, which meets USCIS's specialty occupation definition. The petition is strongest when job duties explicitly reference degree-level tasks such as RTL design, timing analysis, or DFT architecture rather than generalized project support.
How do I find employers actively sponsoring H-1B visas for SoC Design Engineer roles?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified H-1B LCA sponsorship history searchable by role and location, so you're only looking at companies that have already navigated the filing process for engineering positions. Targeting employers with existing LCA filings for hardware engineering SOC codes is more efficient than applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the process.
What happens to my H-1B status if my employer is acquired or the SoC project is cancelled?
If your employer is acquired and the new entity is a successor in interest, your H-1B status typically carries over without immediate refiling. If the project cancels and your role is eliminated, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer and begin a transfer. The new employer must file a new I-129 before your grace period expires.
Can my employer sponsor me for a different work location after the original LCA is certified?
No. Each worksite requires its own certified LCA reflecting the prevailing wage for that metro area. If your employer wants you to work at a fab, design center, or client facility not listed on the original LCA, they must file a new LCA with DOL before you begin work at that location. Short-term placements under 60 days have narrow exceptions, but regular multi-site arrangements need separate certifications.
Does SoC design experience at a foreign semiconductor company strengthen an H-1B petition?
Foreign work experience at recognized semiconductor firms supports the specialty occupation argument when it demonstrates degree-level responsibilities, but USCIS evaluates the U.S. job duties, not your prior employer's reputation. Your petition should map your current role's duties to your academic credentials. Experience with industry-standard EDA platforms and design methodologies is more persuasive to adjudicators than employer name recognition alone.