CPU Performance – Principal Microarchitecture Exploration Engineer

Job Title

CPU Performance – Principal Microarchitecture Exploration Engineer

Role Summary

Join Arm's CPU Performance microarchitecture exploration team to define and evaluate next-generation Cortex-X and Neoverse CPU microarchitectures. The role focuses on performance modeling, workload analysis, and guiding architecture trade-offs to influence internal designs and partner engagements.

Experience Level

Senior - approximately 15 years of experience in CPU/system microarchitecture development, performance modeling, or workload analysis.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities cover architecture definition, performance analysis, collaboration with design teams and partners, and mentorship.

• Define and design next-generation CPU microarchitecture targeting performance, power, and area efficiency.
• Propose and evaluate microarchitectural innovations using cycle-accurate and functional simulators.
• Estimate impacts on performance, power, and area to guide design trade-offs.
• Develop and refine performance models to evaluate new microarchitectural ideas.
• Analyze workloads and identify sensitivities to guide design choices.
• Correlate simulation and performance results to ensure model accuracy.
• Partner with CPU design teams to integrate architectural innovations into designs.
• Engage with ecosystem partners to understand future performance requirements and workloads.
• Present complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Provide technical mentorship and contribute to improving team methodologies, tools, and workflows.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience, with preferred items noted.

• 15 years demonstrated experience in CPU/system microarchitecture development, performance modeling, or microarchitectural workload analysis. (Must-have)
• Proven expertise in high-performance CPU microarchitecture and deep understanding of performance, power, and area trade-offs. (Must-have)
• Hands-on experience with cycle-accurate simulators and performance modeling infrastructure. (Must-have)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to debug and reason across complex systems. (Must-have)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to present technical findings. (Must-have)
• Experience mentoring less-experienced engineers. (Must-have)
• Preferred: track record of taking microarchitectural innovations from concept through implementation.
• Preferred: familiarity with performance profiling, advanced software engineering practices, and programming in C++ and Python.
• Preferred: experience engaging directly with customers or partners to gather requirements and present findings.

Education Requirements

Fields of study mentioned in the posting: Computer Science; Electrical Engineering; Computer Engineering. The posting does not specify a particular degree level (e.g., Bachelor's or Master's) or list certifications.

About the Company

Company: Arm

Headquarters: Cambridge, United Kingdom

ARM is a global leader in semiconductor and software design, driving innovation in computing technology. The company specializes in designing processors and systems that provide the essential building blocks for electronic devices. ARM's architecture is widely used in smartphones, servers, and IoT devices, and its collaborative culture fosters bold thinking, diversity, and high-impact benefits for its talented workforce.