RTL core/processor Microarchitecture Engineer
QualcommJob Title
RTL Core / Processor Microarchitecture Engineer
Role Summary
Join the Hexagon processor microarchitecture team to design and deliver RTL for next-generation AI and modem cores. The role focuses on microarchitecture, RTL implementation, and optimization for performance, power, and area.
You will collaborate with architecture, verification, physical design, and software teams to produce production-quality RTL for energy-efficient processor and AI/NPU designs.
Experience Level
Entry-level - 1+ years of experience in processor architecture or RTL design is required.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include delivering RTL and guiding microarchitecture decisions to meet PPA and functional targets.
- Own and drive RTL design and microarchitecture development for high-performance, low-power CPU and AI cores.
- Collaborate with architecture, verification, physical design, and software teams to deliver production-quality RTL.
- Optimize performance, power, and area (PPA) using techniques such as clock gating and power domains.
- Analyze and resolve timing, area, and functional issues throughout the design cycle.
- Apply ISA knowledge to guide microarchitecture decisions for AI and signal-processing workloads.
- Work with AI software and compiler teams on hardware-software co-optimization for neural network inference.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items listed separately.
- Must-have: 1+ years of experience in processor architecture or RTL design; hands-on RTL experience and ability to deliver production-quality RTL.
- Must-have: Proficiency in RTL design and implementation (Verilog/SystemVerilog).
- Must-have: Experience with synthesis, timing closure, and resolving timing/area issues.
- Must-have: Practical experience with PPA optimization and low-power techniques (clock gating, power domains).
- Must-have: Familiarity with instruction set architecture concepts and microarchitecture trade-offs.
- Nice-to-have: Experience with AI accelerators, DSPs, NPUs, multi-core systems, or out-of-order CPU microarchitecture features (branch prediction, load/store units, cache coherence).
- Nice-to-have: Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Education Requirements
The posting references a Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or related field and a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. The role also expects 1+ years of relevant processor architecture or RTL design 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.
