CPU RTL Power Engineer
QualcommJob Title
CPU RTL Power Engineer
Role Summary
Responsible for CPU RTL power modeling, estimation, and optimization for high-performance, energy-efficient CPU designs. Work within the CPU Engineering team and collaborate with architecture, RTL, verification, and physical design groups to meet power, performance, and area targets.
Experience Level
Mid-level — typically 3–8 years of relevant CPU RTL power, ASIC, or hardware engineering experience; the posting references 3–8 years of CPU RTL power modeling and estimation.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include RTL power estimation, power modeling, and automation of analysis flows.
- Estimate and analyze RTL power for CPU modules using PowerArtist or equivalent tools; optimize power at multiple design stages to meet targets.
- Create comprehensive CPU power models, set early power targets, and correlate models with physical design to evaluate power/performance/area tradeoffs.
- Develop scripts (Python/Perl) to automate power estimation and analysis flows and implement algorithms to analyze HW throttling mechanisms to meet energy, thermal, and current limits.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and preferred qualifications are listed below.
- Must-have: Deep understanding of CPU/ASIC low-power design, including active and idle power optimization and RTL clock gating techniques.
- Expertise in CPU power modeling and analysis for power/performance tradeoffs and battery-life projections.
- Working knowledge of Verilog and/or VHDL and hands-on experience with low-power simulation tools such as PowerArtist and PTPX.
- Knowledge of logic design principles and awareness of power and timing implications.
- Nice-to-have: Experience scripting in Python or Perl; strong problem solving, organizational, and communication skills; practical experience with low-power minimization techniques.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. The posting specifies degree-plus-experience alternatives: Bachelor's +4 years, Master's +3 years, or PhD +2 years; another qualification notes a BS with 3–8 years of CPU RTL power experience. Equivalent practical experience is accepted as described in the qualifications.
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.
