Transformational Computer Engineer

USC’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a unit of the university’s Viterbi School of Engineering, is a world leader in the research and development of advanced information processing, computing, communications and artificial intelligence technologies. ISI’s 400 faculty, professional staff and graduate students carry out extraordinary information sciences research at three distinct locations - Arlington, VA; Marina Del Rey, CA; and Waltham, MA.

Information processing capabilities are m ore important than ever, including hardware architectures and systems-on-chip that can reach new heights of efficiency, agility, security and more. Such problems of national importance are being tackled by ISI, which is developing game-changing hardware architectures, specialized tools, and ASIC- and FPGA-based prototypes that can lead to successful technology transition. A sampling of active projects includes accelerators for encrypted computation (Trebuchet), agile coarse-grained reconfigurable RF processors (TRACER), and elite FPGA EDA tools that can scale to provide hardware assurance of billion-transistor devices.

Pursue transformational computing R&D and help to invent a better and more secure future . ISI has an opening for a Transformational Computer Engineer to develop new hardware solutions for problems of national importance. The Engineer will develop prototypes, collaborate with peers within the group and across ISI, conduct laboratory experiments and demonstrations, and publish results . The Engineer will develop advanced computer architectures and implement designs on applied research programs from top research sponsors such as DARPA, IARPA, and the CHIPS Act. The Engineer  will have opportunities to collaborate with ISI’s Application-Specific Intelligent Computing Lab, use ISI’s resurgent MOSIS 2.0 service, and interact with the California DREAMS superhub. ISI provides a unique environment for leading-edge government-funded applied research with strong ties to academia that include USC’s pioneering Frontiers in Computing and School of Advanced Computing.

*This position is based in Arlington, VA. Hybrid work options are available.*

Position-specific JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science
• Strong computer hardware design experience (Verilog/System Verilog/VHDL)
• Experience with FPGA or ASIC development
• Strong skills with python, C++ or similar
• Must be able to work in ISI’s Arlington, VA office on a hybrid basis
• Qualified candidates for this position must be willing and eligible to apply for a Top Secret clearance. Eligibility for this clearance requires U.S. citizenship. Current SECRET clearance or higher is a plus.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Understanding of graph-based algorithms or other EDA algorithms
• Familiarity with design verification and device testing                
• Adeptness with EDA tools and scripting

The annual base salary range for this position is $134,500 - $154,800. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

This position is funded by a contract or grant and may be funded by a subsequent contract or grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent [contract/grant] to continue employment. In the event (a) funding for your position changes and it becomes necessary to adjust your percentage of effort; (b) or it becomes necessary for your employment with the University of Southern California to end, you will receive one (1) month written notification of termination.

According to university policy, no severance benefits are paid to employees hired under a contract or grant. When you leave, your final paycheck will include pay for days worked, and for accrued and unused vacation. The university does not pay for accrued and unused sick days upon termination.

Your employment may also end for other reasons consistent with university policy.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 8 years Minimum Skills: Knowledge of one or more relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, Goolang). Experience with Linux. Experience with Virtual LAN and/or Virtual Extensible LAN. Experience with Melanox Switches. Experience with SDN programming. Experience with Ansible, Bash and Nagios. Experience with Prometheus. Familiarity with and Simple Network Management Protocol. Experience with applicable IT protocols (e.g., Border Gateway Protocol, Secure Shell, Transport Layer Security). Experience with iptables and Network File System. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Preferred Education: Master's degree