Principal Engineer, AI Applied Research - Oregon, Hillsboro, United States
$255,850 - $361,200 USD yearly
Originally posted 1 September 2026 by the employer — open 20 days.
This role focuses on Foundational IP development.
About the role
As a Principal Engineer in AI Applied Research, you will lead the development and implementation of AI models to address high-value business challenges. This role specifically focuses on Foundational IP development, including memory and logic Foundational IPs.
What you'll do
- Conduct applied research to design and implement AI models, including machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and other areas.
- Perform literature reviews, technical assessments, and foundational research to identify opportunities and inform technical strategy.
- Develop proof-of-concept models and transition them to production-ready solutions that address business-critical challenges.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers and researchers.
- Align organizational goals with technical vision and formulate strategic approaches to deliver leadership solutions in AI.
What you'll need
- 3+ years of experience in power and performance prediction of IPs, preferably memory and logic Foundational IPs.
- 3+ years of proficiency in Python and advanced programming skills applied to AI and ML model development.
- 5+ years of in-depth knowledge of AI fundamentals, including experience developing machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, computer vision, or time-series prediction models.
- 5+ years of experience with algorithm research and development, ML model evaluation, training, monitoring, and deployment processes.
- PhD in a STEM field with special focus on Foundational IP development.
- 10+ years of experience.
Nice to have
- Design and Technology Co-optimization knowledge.
- Working knowledge of developing AI Agents.
Skills: AI models, machine learning, deep learning, power and performance prediction, Foundational IP development
This role has been open 20 days — well below the 67-day median for AI/ML Hardware Engineering roles.
AI/ML Hardware Engineering · AI ML Hardware
|
Open roles in category
522
|
Median days open
67 d
|
Median salary
$235k
|
See the full market breakdown ▾Category comparison, skills in demand, and who else is hiring
| Metric | Intel Corporation | All employers we track in this specialty (522 roles · 76 employers) |
|---|---|---|
| Open roles in this specialty | 9 | 522 |
| Open roles in the wider Software, Firmware & Systems family | 157 | 5873 · 143 employers |
| Median days open | 20 d | 67 d (−47 d vs this employer) |
| Median salary (USD postings) | — | $235k |
Skills observed across this category: AI models, machine learning, deep learning, power and performance prediction, Foundational IP development
Who's hiring in this category
- Qualcomm · 107 open roles · median 97 d
- NVIDIA · 86 open roles · median 68 d
- AMD · 46 open roles · median 60 d
- Micron Technology · 32 open roles · median 40 d
- Mobileye · 25 open roles · median 54 d
- Analog Devices · 14 open roles · median 25 d
How we counted: 522 open AI/ML Hardware Engineering (AI ML Hardware) roles from 76 employers tracked in the SemiconductorJobs index, counted 22 Sept 2026. Specialty figures count only roles carrying this exact specialty label, so an employer's related work in neighbouring specialties is not included there — it is counted in the wider Software, Firmware & Systems family row. Figures refresh nightly.