CPU Micro-Architect RTL Engineer
QualcommJob Title
CPU Micro-Architect RTL Engineer
Role Summary
Design and implement CPU microarchitecture and RTL for high-performance, energy-efficient Hexagon cores used across mobile, server, IoT, and automotive applications. The role focuses on microarchitecture definition, RTL development, low-power techniques, and achieving area and timing targets within a cross-functional engineering team.
Experience Level
Mid-level role. Candidates typically have multiple years of CPU architecture and RTL experience; the team considers a broad range of experience levels but expects demonstrated microprocessor design experience.
Responsibilities
Contribute to all phases of CPU core microarchitecture and RTL implementation and delivery.
- Develop and own microarchitecture and RTL for processor cores.
- Apply low-power and performance optimizations; balance area, power, and timing trade-offs.
- Perform performance exploration and guide microarchitectural trade studies.
- Design and refine processor elements such as pipelines, out-of-order execution, load/store units, caches, and coherence mechanisms.
- Integrate and validate features for multicore and multithreaded systems.
- Collaborate with software, verification, and system teams; participate in design reviews and documentation.
Requirements
Key technical skills and experience required or strongly preferred.
- Must-have: Proven experience in CPU microarchitecture and RTL design, including work on high-performance microprocessors and core subsystems.
- Must-have: Practical experience with processor pipelines, load/store units, caches, cache coherence, and memory hierarchy.
- Must-have: Experience working on multicore/multithreaded systems and performance/area/timing optimization.
- Must-have: Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
- Nice-to-have: Familiarity with RISC-V architecture and low-power microarchitecture techniques.
- Nice-to-have: Experience with RTL implementation and verification flows (for example SystemVerilog/Verilog and common verification methodologies).
Education Requirements
Degree and equivalent experience options found in the posting: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field (typical hire path: Bachelor's + 4+ years relevant experience); OR Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master's + 3+ years relevant experience); OR PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (PhD + 2+ years relevant experience). The posting also notes equivalent work experience may be acceptable where specified.
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.
