This role pays more than
80%
of similar roles. Most pay
$208,675–$265,125
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$286k
versus about
$237k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm is a leading American semiconductor and telecommunications company based in San Diego, CA.
Qualcomm currently has
623 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$148,300–$222,500
across 603 roles with salary data.
The CPU-Core RTL Director leads a team of engineers responsible for developing high-performance, low-power CPU cores across the entire development lifecycle. This leader manages complex subsystems including instruction fetch, decode, branch prediction, scheduling, execution pipelines, memory subsystems, and cache hierarchy while making critical trade-offs regarding power, performance, area, and timing. The role involves translating architectural requirements into microarchitectural implementations, overseeing RTL execution from concept to silicon, and coordinating with cross-functional teams in verification, physical design, and firmware. Candidates must possess expert knowledge of SystemVerilog and modern RTL development methodologies to drive technical excellence and automation. This position focuses on the core challenge of designing scalable, efficient CPU architectures for mobile, automotive, and AI products by navigating complex trade-offs in pipeline depth, structure sizing, and power management to ensure successful product delivery.
Lead a team of engineers in designing and delivering complex CPU subsystems including fetch, decode, and memory systems.
Translate architectural requirements into scalable microarchitectural implementations while making trade-offs between power, performance, area, and timing.
Manage the full RTL execution lifecycle from initial concept through tapeout and post-silicon support.
Drive bug triage and resolution for functional, performance, power, and timing issues across multiple projects.
Coordinate cross-functional activities with teams in Verification, Physical Design, Power, DFT, and Firmware.
Mentor and develop engineering talent by establishing technical growth plans and career development opportunities.
Support silicon bring-up, performance characterization, and root-cause analysis for critical product issues.
Contribute to long-term CPU roadmap planning and technology strategy discussions.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
12+ years of experience in CPU RTL design, microarchitecture, or related semiconductor development.
3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or large technical projects.
Strong understanding of modern high-performance CPU architecture and microarchitecture.
Proven experience delivering complex RTL designs into production silicon.
Expert knowledge of SystemVerilog and modern RTL development methodologies.
Strong understanding of timing closure, physical design interactions, power optimization, and silicon implementation.
Experience leading cross-functional execution across Architecture, DV, PD, DFT, CAD, and Product Engineering organizations.