Principal Hardware Engineer

Are you ready to define the next generation of cloud server architecture?

Do you enjoy hands-on hardware bring-up?

Join our Server Team!

Our Hardware Engineering team designs, qualifies, and scales the server platforms that power Akamai Cloud. We partner closely with OEM/ODM manufacturers to deliver reliable, efficient, and secure platforms from concept through global deployment.

Partner with the best

You'll set the technical direction for compute and GPU servers and lead our strategy for SmartNIC/DPU offload freeing compute host resources, improving isolation, and accelerating networking, storage, and security services across our fleet. You'll drive platform roadmaps with our OEM/ODM and silicon partners, define architectures for host + DPU systems, and ensure performance, efficiency, and TCO outcomes from early concepts through mass production and global deployment.

As a Principal Hardware Engineer, you will be responsible for:

• Owning technical roadmaps for cloud servers and SmartNIC/DPUs (BlueField/IPU equivalents)
• Defining requirements, review schematics/layouts, guide DFM, and drive platform NPI from EVT DVT PVT MP.
• Owning platform development for compute and GPU servers
• Leading bring-up and debug of boards and systems (power, thermal, storage, networking, manageability)
• Developing and execute validation plans, root-cause issues across HW/FW/SW.
• Collaborating with partners (OEM/ODM, silicon, and component suppliers) to develop platform configurations that balance performance, efficiency, supply continuity, and TCO.
• Mentoring and developing junior engineers, setting the bar for design reviews, and leading decision making with cross-functional teams

Do what you love

To be successful in this role you will:

• Have 12 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or a related field
• Have a foundation in server architecture and board-level design/debug. Comfortable with low-level buses and tools (IC, SPI, UART, oscilloscopes).
• Have leadership experience with platform validation (power/thermal, signal integrity, storage and PCIe/NVMe qualification, system stress).
• Have Linux and scripting skills. Able to architect test frameworks, parse large data sets, and convert results into actionable specifications.
• Have a track record of vendor leadership and executive level communication
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including being comfortable speaking in a group setting

Work in a way that works for you

FlexBase, Akamai's Global Flexible Working Program, is based on the principles that are helping us create the best workplace in the world. When our colleagues said that flexible working was important to them, we listened. We also know flexible working is important to many of the incredible people considering joining Akamai. FlexBase, gives 95% of employees the choice to work from their home, their office, or both (in the country advertised). This permanent workplace flexibility program is consistent and fair globally, to help us find incredible talent, virtually anywhere. We are happy to discuss working options for this role and encourage you to speak with your recruiter in more detail when you apply.

Learn what makes Akamai a great place to work

This role will require your presence in our Cambridge office at least a 3 days a week. Applicants should be aware that this office attendance will be required.

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We power and protect life online, by solving the toughest challenges, together.

At Akamai, we're curious, innovative, collaborative and tenacious. We celebrate diversity of thought and we hold an unwavering belief that we can make a meaningful difference. Our teams use their global perspectives to put customers at the forefront of everything they do, so if you are people-centric, you'll thrive here.

Working for you

At Akamai, we will provide you with opportunities to grow, flourish, and achieve great things. Our benefit options are designed to meet your individual needs for today and in the future. We provide benefits surrounding all as