Staff Engineer - GPU Power Engineer

Job Title

Staff Engineer - GPU Power Engineer

Role Summary

Responsible for RTL-level power optimization and power/performance-per-watt analysis for GPU blocks and subsystems from early specification through silicon bring-up. Works with hardware, software, and system teams to define and implement architectural, microarchitectural, and RTL power-reduction strategies for mobile and adjacent markets (Automotive, Compute, XR, AI).

Experience Level

Senior — typically 8–12 years of relevant industry experience in RTL power or hardware engineering.

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities include:

• Analyze and optimize power efficiency and performance-per-watt for GPU blocks and subsystems across industry-standard benchmarks and games.
• Drive RTL-level power optimization: reduce switching activity, improve clock/enable efficiency, and apply low-power design patterns.
• Collaborate with architecture, microarchitecture, RTL, backend, and software teams to define power-aware design tradeoffs and implementation plans.
• Use power analysis and emulation flows to identify power hotspots and validate optimization efficacy from RTL through silicon.
• Debug RTL and gate-level power anomalies, determine root causes, and propose remediation strategies.
• Develop automation, data pipelines, and Python-based tools (including AI/ML-driven analysis) to accelerate power analysis and reporting.
• Document methodologies, present findings, and communicate recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• Strong understanding of RTL power optimization fundamentals (switching activity, clock/enable efficiency, common low-power RTL patterns).
• Experience with RTL power analysis tools such as PowerArtist, PTPX, PowerPro, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with low-power techniques including clock gating, power gating, and managing dynamic vs. leakage power tradeoffs.
• Knowledge of emulation power flow and methodology.
• Understanding of backend flows (logic synthesis, place-and-route) and how RTL affects post-layout power and timing.
• Proven ability to debug RTL/gate-level power anomalies and identify root-cause structures or scenarios.
• Strong Python skills for automation, data processing, and analysis pipelines.
• Data-driven debugging, strong analytical/problem-solving skills, and clear written/verbal communication.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across global, cross-functional teams and navigate ambiguity.

Education Requirements

Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or a related technical field is expected. Qualcomm lists degree-plus-experience baselines: generally Bachelor's + 4+ years, Master's + 3+ years, or PhD + 2+ years for hardware roles. This specific GPU Power Engineer role targets senior candidates with ~8–12 years of industry experience and accepts Bachelor's or Master's in the fields above (PhD also acceptable where relevant).

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.