CPU Server Physical Design Engineer

Qualcomm

Confirmed live yesterday Low trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Salary
$167,100–$250,700 / yr
Posted
149 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday
Closes
Oct 12, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $194k
This role $209k
$138k most similar roles pay here $263k

This role pays more than 61% of similar roles. Most pay $162,000–$225,600 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $194k 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.

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At a glance

TL;DR · CPU Server Physical Design Engineer

The CPU Server Physical Design Engineer joins the CPU Engineering team to lead innovative Central Processing Unit design efforts for various business units. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, verify, and implement multi-core CPU operations while managing the full lifecycle from conceptualization to productization. You will be responsible for developing high-performance, low-power designs by solving complex problems related to functionality, power, and performance. The role requires expertise in computer architecture, micro-architecture, logic design, circuits, and physical design. Key technical skills include proficiency in C, C++, and scripting languages like Perl or Python, alongside experience with Verilog, VHDL, and industry-standard tools for synthesis, place, route, and design verification. You will also create functional models, test plans, and detailed technical documentation to ensure designs meet rigorous industry standards.

What you'll do

  • Develop and verify high-performance, low-power CPU designs using advanced knowledge of computer architecture and logic design.
  • Identify and solve complex problems to ensure design completeness, functionality, power, and performance.
  • Define requirements, specifications, and trade-offs regarding performance, power, cost, and functionality with cross-functional teams.
  • Manage the entire design process from initial conceptualization through pre-silicon verification and post-silicon validation.
  • Write detailed technical documentation including feature descriptions, architectural specifications, and verification test plans.
  • Provide supervision and guidance to other team members on complex CPU projects.
  • Make significant decisions that impact work beyond the immediate project group.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience.
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
  • 6+ years of work experience with high-performance microprocessor design.
  • 6+ years of experience in high-level programming (C, C++), scripting languages (Perl, Python), and waveform debugging tools (Verilog, VHDL).
  • 6+ years of experience with industry standard tools for synthesis, place/route, design verification, simulation, emulation, or silicon validation.
  • 6+ years of experience in creating functional models, checkers, test plans, and test generation.
  • 2+ years of experience in a large matrixed organization and 1+ year interacting with senior leadership.

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