Security Architect – AI Silicon & Systems

The era of pervasive AI has arrived. In this era, organizations will use generative AI to unlock hidden value in their data, accelerate processes, reduce costs, drive efficiency and innovation to fundamentally transform their businesses and operations at scale.

SambaNova Suite™ is the first full-stack, generative AI platform, from chip to model, optimized for enterprise and government organizations. Powered by the intelligent SN40L chip, the SambaNova Suite is a fully integrated platform, delivered on-premises or in the cloud, combined with state-of-the-art open-source models that can be easily and securely fine-tuned using customer data for greater accuracy. Once adapted with customer data, customers retain model ownership in perpetuity, so they can turn generative AI into one of their most valuable assets.

Job Overview

SambaNova Systems is seeking a Security Architect to define and scale the security architecture for our AI silicon and systems. This role focuses on advancing hardware-rooted security, confidential computing, and secure AI infrastructure for enterprise and regulated markets. The ideal candidate has deep chip-level security expertise and is eager to collaborate across teams to address system-level challenges, building on our proven enterprise deployments.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a Security Architect at SambaNova, you will be responsible for leading the security architecture of our next-generation AI silicon and systems, ensuring they meet the demands of hyperscale and regulated environments. Key responsibilities include:

Conduct research and development in state-of-the-art security solutions for AI silicon, including hardware root-of-trust, secure boot, and confidential computing.

Define and own security architecture specifications for performant, robust, and efficient AI hardware and systems.

Lead cross-functional efforts with silicon, firmware, software, and system teams to integrate security into the product lifecycle.

Collaborate with executive leadership to align security initiatives with product competitiveness and market requirements.

Stay current with industry standards (e.g., Caliptra) and contribute to security advancements representing SambaNova.

Develop threat models and security protocols for AI accelerators and cluster environments.

Enhance secure deployment processes, including manufacturing, provisioning, and supply chain security.

Minimum Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

BS, MS, or PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

10+ years of industry experience in hardware security architecture, preferably in AI accelerators, GPUs, or high-performance SoCs.

Proven track record of delivering security solutions from architecture to product implementation.

Additional Required Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

Deep understanding of hardware root-of-trust, secure boot, firmware security, and cryptography applied to silicon.

Hands-on experience with security technologies such as Caliptra for hardware security modules.

Ability to define and architect security features at the micro-architectural level, including memory protection, isolation, and key management.

Strong analytical and debug skills to solve challenging security problems in dynamic environments.

Capable of breaking down security requirements into silicon, firmware, and system software specifications.

Leadership and Teamwork

Highly motivated, self-driven, and independent, with strong organizational skills.

Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Willingness to learn and adapt to new areas with mentorship and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

15+ years of industry experience in hardware security for AI, supercomputing, or hyperscale environments.

Experience with confidential computing architectures and industry standards.

Knowledge of system-level security integration, including BMC, network, and software security (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

Familiarity with off-the-shelf security IP and optical switch security considerations.

Experience in conducting trade-off analyses on security vs. performance/TCO for AI systems.

Background in leading cross-functional teams or contributing to industry security workgroups.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at SambaNova Systems, you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified.

EEO Policy

SambaNova Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Benefits Summary for US-Based, Full-Time Employment Positions

SambaNova offers a competitive total rewards package, including the base salary, plus equity and benefits. We cover 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, and 77% premium coverage for dependents and offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution. We also offer Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, and AD&D insurance plans in addition to Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options like Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care. Our library of well-being benefits available to you and your dependents includes a full subscription to Headspace, Gympass+ membership with access to physical gyms, One Medical membership, counseling services with an Employee Assistance Program, and much more.