CPU Micro-Architecture and RTL Design Engineer (RISC-V)
QualcommJob Title
CPU Micro-Architecture and RTL Design Engineer (RISC-V)
Role Summary
Design and deliver CPU microarchitecture and RTL for high-performance, low-power RISC-V processors. Work with architects, modeling, verification, and physical design teams to define microarchitecture, implement RTL, and validate performance, power, area and timing targets.
Experience Level
Mid-level. The posting expects experienced engineers; typical guidance is 3–7 years of relevant industry experience (see Education Requirements for explicit years tied to degree level).
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
- Explore and evaluate high-performance microarchitecture strategies with CPU modeling teams.
- Develop microarchitecture from high-level exploration to detailed specification.
- Own RTL development, assessment and refinement to meet power, performance, area and timing goals.
- Support functional verification and work with verification teams on verification strategy.
- Support performance verification to ensure RTL meets targeted performance metrics.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and validate physical design aspects (timing, area, reliability, testability).
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience:
- Strong knowledge of CPU microarchitecture components (instruction fetch/decode, branch prediction, scheduling, renaming, out-of-order execution, pipelines, caches, memory subsystems).
- RTL design experience using Verilog and/or VHDL; familiarity with simulators and waveform debugging tools.
- Solid logic design skills with awareness of timing and power implications.
- Understanding of low-power microarchitecture techniques and high-performance trade-offs.
- Experience with performance analysis and verification methodologies.
- Scripting proficiency (e.g. Python or Perl) for automation and analysis.
- Ability to collaborate with architects, verification, and physical design teams to deliver silicon-ready designs.
Education Requirements
One of the following: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field plus 4+ years of relevant work experience; OR Master's degree in those fields plus 3+ years; OR PhD in those fields plus 2+ years. Equivalent related work experience considered where stated.
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.
