Processor Micro-Architect RTL Design Engineer
QualcommJob Title
Processor Micro-Architect RTL Design Engineer
Role Summary
Design and implement RTL for blocks within Qualcomm's Hexagon DSP cores and related subsystems for SoC integration. Work with architecture, physical design, low-power and verification teams to deliver high-performance, low-power processor blocks through the ASIC design flow (RTL → synthesis → STA → GDS).
Experience Level
Mid-level to senior (multiple levels considered). Experience expectations vary by degree; examples in the posting include ranges from ~2 to 15 years of relevant RTL/microprocessor experience.
Responsibilities
Core responsibilities include delivering RTL and collaborating across teams to achieve functional, timing, and power goals.
- Define micro-architecture for Hexagon DSP core blocks with the architecture team.
- Develop and maintain functional and structural RTL for processor and subsystem blocks.
- Run frontend checks (lint, clock-domain crossing analysis, etc.) and address findings.
- Collaborate with physical design on constraints and timing closure.
- Work with low-power engineers to implement power-optimization techniques.
- Partner with verification teams on test plans, coverage targets, and coverage closure.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience for day-one contributions. Preferred items listed separately.
- Practical RTL design and development experience (Verilog/SystemVerilog).
- Experience with synthesis, static timing analysis (STA), and timing closure workflows.
- Experience identifying and resolving clock-domain crossing issues and using lint tools.
- Familiarity with low-power design techniques and power optimization flows.
- Experience collaborating with physical design and verification teams; creating/consuming design constraints and verification deliverables.
- Working knowledge of microprocessor design and processor integration workflows.
- Nice-to-have: cache and memory-coherency protocols, multi-core architecture, formal verification, experience with bus protocols and SoC integration.
Education Requirements
Posting lists multiple degree options and associated experience: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field (with examples showing 2+ years or alternatively 6+ years of related work depending on the minimum stated); OR Master's degree in EE/CE/CS (with examples showing 1+ or 5+ years of related work); OR PhD in EE/CE/CS (with examples showing 0+ or 4+ years of related work). The posting repeatedly allows equivalent related work experience in lieu of degree wording ("or related work experience").
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.
