CPU Micro-architect/RTL Designer (Multiple Locations)

Job Title

CPU Micro-architect/RTL Designer (Multiple Locations) - Italy

Role Summary

Design and develop CPU microarchitecture and RTL for high-performance, low-power system-on-chips. Collaborate with chip architects, modeling and verification teams, and cross-functional partners from early architecture exploration through RTL delivery and physical implementation.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Early career. The posting indicates 1–2+ years of relevant ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related experience depending on degree; equivalent experience is considered.

Responsibilities

Primary engineering responsibilities include:

• Explore performance strategies with CPU modeling and architecture teams.
• Develop microarchitecture concepts and produce detailed specifications.
• Implement, assess and refine RTL to meet power, performance, area, and timing targets.
• Support functional verification and help deliver the verification strategy.
• Support performance verification to ensure RTL meets performance goals.
• Work with cross-functional teams on timing, area, reliability, testability and physical design delivery.

Requirements

Key skills and experience expected (must-have vs. nice-to-have):

• Must-have: Practical ASIC design or verification experience (industry experience in RTL/design, validation or integration).
• Must-have: Experience with RTL languages and flows (Verilog and/or VHDL) and familiarity with simulators and waveform debugging tools.
• Must-have: Understanding of logic design, timing and power implications; ability to target power/performance/area goals.
• Must-have: Familiarity with CPU microarchitecture concepts (e.g., fetch/decode, execution pipelines, caches, memory subsystems).
• Preferred: Knowledge of low-power microarchitecture techniques and high-performance CPU trade-offs.
• Preferred: Experience with scripting languages such as Python or Perl for automation and analysis.

Education Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering or a related field with ~2+ years of relevant ASIC/design experience; OR a Master’s degree in Science, Engineering or related field with ~1+ year experience; OR a PhD in Science, Engineering or related field. The posting also states equivalent practical experience will be considered.

About the Company

Company: Qualcomm

Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States

Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.