Principal Engineer, RISC-V CPU Sub-System Architecture
QualcommJob Title
Principal Engineer, RISC-V CPU Sub-System Architecture
Role Summary
Lead the architecture and integration of RISC-V CPU sub-systems used in modem, connectivity, and embedded control-plane SoCs. Collaborate with CPU RTL, SoC integration, firmware, modeling, and verification teams to define architecture, drive system integration, and deliver silicon-ready designs.
Experience Level
Senior - typically 10+ years of relevant engineering experience; candidates with equivalent experience who can demonstrate the required competencies will be considered.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include defining CPU sub-system architecture and driving integration across hardware and software teams.
- Own CPU sub-system architecture: core integration, cache hierarchy, memory system, interconnects, and NoC design.
- Define architecture specifications, integration guidelines, and coherency/bus protocol usage (AXI, CHI).
- Lead integration into complex SoCs and align cross-functionally with RTL, firmware, verification, and SW teams.
- Drive PPA trade-offs (performance, power, area) and lead architecture and design reviews.
- Diagnose and resolve system-level issues spanning architecture, RTL, DV, and firmware; support bring-up and field issue resolution.
- Act as technical focal point across global teams and mentor engineers in architecture and VLSI disciplines.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience (education expectations summarized separately below).
- Strong background in CPU and SoC architecture, including cache and memory hierarchies and coherency.
- Experience with RISC-V or similar ISAs and multi-core system design.
- RTL development experience and familiarity with hardware verification flows.
- Experience with NoC architecture, on-chip interconnects, and high-performance bus protocols (AXI, CHI).
- Practical experience integrating firmware and hardware and debugging system-level issues.
- Proven ability to perform system integration, PPA trade-off analysis, and communicate across global teams.
- Nice-to-have: ownership through full silicon lifecycle, DDR/interconnect experience, modem or embedded systems domain knowledge.
Education Requirements
Source lists degree-based paths: Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field (with stated examples of experience levels), or Master's or PhD in those fields. The posting includes multiple equivalence statements: B.Sc. with around 8–10+ years of relevant experience, M.S. with ~7+ years, or Ph.D. with ~6+ years. Preferred: Master's or PhD. 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.
