Security Architect – AI Silicon & Systems

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.