CPU Systems Architect — Senior Level
QualcommJob Title
CPU Systems Architect — Senior Level
Role Summary
Lead architecture and microarchitecture for high-performance, low-power CPU subsystems within a SoC environment. Collaborate with CPU, SoC, hardware, software and firmware teams to define system requirements and optimize power, performance, area (PPA) and thermal behavior at advanced process nodes.
Experience Level
Senior-level. The role expects extensive experience in CPU/SoC architecture; the posting lists 12+ years in CPU RTL or a related field as the primary experience expectation, with alternative minimums tied to academic level (see Education Requirements).
Responsibilities
Deliver system-level CPU architecture and drive microarchitectural design decisions. Primary responsibilities include:
- Define and translate high-level CPU system requirements into micro-architecture and RTL-ready specifications.
- Collaborate with CPU, SoC, HW, SW and FW teams to develop end-to-end CPU system architecture and optimize PPA and thermal efficiency.
- Lead micro-architecture design for interconnects, power management, RAS, debug/trace and telemetry features.
- Develop performance and power telemetry and mitigation strategies (thermal, clock, limit management).
- Prepare clear technical documentation and present architecture decisions to engineering teams and stakeholders.
- Provide technical leadership during architecture reviews and throughout implementation.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience:
- Deep knowledge of microprocessor architecture and coherent CPU systems.
- Experience with CPU system features: interconnect protocols, timer synchronization, interrupt controllers, configuration access protocols, RAS and safety mechanisms.
- Experience in architecture and performance monitoring and telemetry architecture.
- Expertise in power management strategies (idle/active), thermal mitigation, and clock architecture.
- Debug and trace architecture experience, including scan-dump and memory dump mechanisms.
- Solid logic-design understanding, including timing and power trade-offs.
- Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to integrate software and firmware control loops into system-level solutions.
Nice-to-have:
- Familiarity with CPU ISAs and low-power microarchitecture techniques.
- Knowledge of system constraints such as over-current, TDP, voltage droop and mitigation.
- Experience with high-performance microarchitecture trade-offs.
Education Requirements
Primary posting specifies a Master’s degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering with 12+ years of relevant experience. Minimum qualifications provide alternatives: Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field with 6+ years; Master’s in those fields with 5+ years; or PhD in those fields with 4+ years. Fields listed include Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical disciplines.
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.
