Hi, I'm Michael Fein
Building the Future of AI Hardware at the Intersection of Silicon and Strategy
I lead Architecture & ASIC Operations at Etched, where we're designing next-generation chips that push the boundaries of AI inference. My path from McKinsey strategy to Citadel's Office of the COO to semiconductor leadership reflects a belief that the most impactful innovations happen when deep technical expertise meets strategic execution.
About
Operations Lead, Architecture & ASIC | Etched. I lead cross-functional program management for Etched's chip development efforts, coordinating across Architecture, Frontend, Backend, DFT, and Package teams to drive next-generation AI inference ASICs from concept to tapeout.
- Program Leadership — Owning end-to-end execution of chip development programs, including milestone tracking, timeline management, and cross-team accountability. I build the operational frameworks that keep complex, multi-workstream hardware programs on track.
- Vendor & Partner Management — Leading technical evaluations and partnerships with semiconductor ecosystem vendors, from initial RFQ development through vendor selection and ongoing relationship management.
- Inference Software — Driving development of the customer-facing inference stack, bridging hardware capabilities with the software interfaces that customers deploy in production.
- Strategic Hiring — Driving recruiting for senior technical roles, ensuring we build the specialized team needed to execute on an ambitious hardware roadmap.
Prior to Etched, I worked in strategy consulting at McKinsey and operations at Citadel Securities. I hold an MS in Computer Science and a BA in Statistics from Harvard.
Highlights
Orchestrating Cutting-Edge Chip Development
Managing comprehensive ASIC development programs from architecture to tape-out, including multi-team coordination across Architecture/Frontend/Backend/DFT/Package, and complex vendor relationships. Driving technical decisions that will define next-generation AI inference performance.
Building High-Performance Organizations
Led extensive hiring initiatives for senior architect roles, ASIC program managers, and specialized engineering positions. Developed comprehensive interview frameworks, screening processes, and organizational scaling strategies for high-stakes technical environments.
Strategic Operations at Scale
At Citadel Securities' Office of the COO, drove strategic initiatives directly impacting business units managing billions in trading volume. Performed complex performance analysis, defined operational KPIs, and partnered with executive leadership on the firm's most critical decisions. Bridged the gap between strategy and execution in one of the world's most sophisticated trading operations.
Get in Touch
I'm always interested in conversations about AI hardware, semiconductor development, technical leadership, or building exceptional organizations. Whether you're working on similar challenges, exploring opportunities in the space, or just want to discuss chip architecture—let's talk.
Currently open to:
- Technical discussions about AI inference hardware
- Conversations with exceptional engineers interested in Etched
- Advisory or consulting on ASIC development and hardware strategy
- Speaking opportunities on AI infrastructure and semiconductor innovation