CPU Post-Silicon Power and Performance Engineer (Senior/Staff)
QualcommJob Title
CPU Post-Silicon Power and Performance Engineer (Senior/Staff)
Role Summary
Characterize, analyze, debug, and optimize CPU and SoC power and performance on silicon. Develop and execute validation methodologies, design experiments, run measurements, and deliver actionable findings to architecture, design, firmware, and product teams.
Work spans hardware and software domains using laboratory instrumentation, automation, and data analysis to ensure silicon meets performance, power, and product objectives.
Experience Level
Senior/Staff level. Typically requires 5+ years in post-silicon validation, CPU characterization, or equivalent experience; specific minimum-qualification combinations apply based on academic level.
Responsibilities
Lead and execute post-silicon power and performance validation and provide engineering recommendations.
- Define and execute end-to-end power, performance, and characterization plans for CPU and SoC subsystems.
- Develop measurement methodologies and experiments to evaluate silicon behavior across workloads and operating conditions.
- Debug performance, marginality, and power miscorrelations versus pre-silicon projections.
- Analyze interactions among CPU microarchitecture, memory hierarchy, interconnects, firmware, OS, and platform components.
- Process, sanitize, and analyze large measurement datasets to derive engineering insights and recommendations.
- Collaborate with architecture, design, verification, firmware, and software teams to improve current and future products.
- Drive continuous improvements in validation methodologies, tooling, and automation.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience:
- 5+ years' experience in post-silicon validation, CPU characterization, power/performance analysis, or related fields.
- Deep understanding of CPU microarchitecture concepts (out-of-order execution, speculation, caching, memory hierarchies).
- Strong programming/scripting skills (Python, C/C++ or similar) for automation and data analysis.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment: oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, DAQs, logic analyzers, and automated measurement systems.
- Solid semiconductor fundamentals: transistor operation, FinFET technologies, leakage mechanisms, dynamic power, voltage-frequency relationships, and process variation.
- Ability to analyze large telemetry datasets, validate results, and perform root-cause analysis.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills; self-motivated and able to drive investigations independently.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience with ARM architectures and ecosystem technologies.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. Minimum-qualification combinations stated: Bachelor's +4 years, Master's +3 years, or PhD +2 years in ASIC design/verification/validation/integration or related work. 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.
