CPU Systems RTL Engineer
QualcommJob Title
CPU Systems RTL Engineer
Role Summary
Design and develop CPU RTL for high-performance, low-power devices. Work with chip architects and cross-functional teams through early architecture definition, microarchitecture specification, RTL development, and product delivery.
Experience Level
Mid-level — typically requires 5+ years of CPU RTL or similar hardware design experience; alternative experience ranges appear in the job's minimum qualifications for different degree levels.
Responsibilities
The role owns or contributes to CPU microarchitecture and RTL development from exploration to delivery.
- Explore performance strategies with CPU modeling teams.
- Develop microarchitecture and produce detailed specifications.
- Implement, assess, and refine RTL to meet power, performance, area, and timing targets.
- Support functional and performance verification efforts.
- Collaborate with physical design to meet timing, area, reliability, testability and power goals.
- Work alongside software, firmware, and platform teams to enable CPU system features.
Requirements
Key technical must-haves and useful skills for the role.
- Significant CPU RTL design experience (experience expectation: multi-year, see Experience Level).
- Deep knowledge of microprocessor architecture and related subsystems (timers, interrupt controller, configuration protocols, RAS/safety, AMU/PMU, power management, clock architecture, debug/trace).
- Proficiency in Verilog and/or VHDL; experience with simulators and waveform-debugging tools.
- Strong logic design fundamentals and understanding of timing and power trade-offs.
- Ability to support verification teams and validate performance goals.
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams (software/firmware/platform/physical design).
- Nice-to-have: knowledge of low-power microarchitecture techniques, high-performance microarchitecture trade-offs, and scripting (Perl or Python).
Education Requirements
Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related field are listed in the posting with experience thresholds (example combinations in the posting: Bachelor's +4+ years; Master's +3+ years; PhD +2+ years). The posting also indicates an MS with 5+ years is required for the role as stated in the "Required for this Role" section. Equivalent related work experience is accepted where noted.
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.
