This role pays more than
84%
of similar roles. Most pay
$166,538–$235,750
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$248k
versus about
$201k
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
621 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$147,900–$222,500
across 601 roles with salary data.
The CPU Systems Architect – Senior Level joins the CPU Engineering team to lead the micro-architecture and design of high-performance, low-power CPU systems at advanced process nodes. This critical role involves collaborating with SoC architects, software, and firmware teams to optimize power, performance, area, and thermal efficiency for datacenter, mobile, compute, and auto SoCs. The architect will develop technical specifications that translate to RTL design while managing features like interconnect protocols, timer synchronization, interrupt controllers, RAS, and debug/trace blocks. Key responsibilities include designing telemetry architectures, implementing active power management strategies, and developing system-level solutions for firmware control loops. Required expertise includes microprocessor architecture, logic design principles, and experience with coherent CPU systems. The role demands proficiency in managing complex constraints such as voltage droop, thermal mitigation, and high-performance design trade-offs across various product segments.
Design high-performance microarchitecture for next-generation CPU systems at advanced process nodes.
Develop high-level architecture and micro-architecture specifications that translate directly to RTL design.
Optimize Power, Performance, Area (PPA), and thermal efficiency through collaborative system design.
Implement features for interconnect protocols, timer synchronization, interrupt controllers, and RAS mechanisms.
Design power management strategies including idle/active states, thermal mitigation, and clock architecture.
Develop architectures for performance monitoring, telemetry, debug, and trace blocks.
Create comprehensive technical documentation to communicate designs to engineering teams and senior management.
What we're looking for
Master's degree in computer or electrical engineering with 12+ years of experience in CPU RTL or a related field.
Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of experience, or PhD and 4+ years of experience in relevant engineering fields.
Deep knowledge of microprocessor architecture including interconnect protocols, timer synchronization, interrupt controllers, and RAS/safety mechanisms.
Expertise in power management strategies, performance monitoring, telemetry architecture, and debug/trace systems.
Understanding of software and firmware control loops and building system-level solutions.
Solid understanding of logic design principles, including timing and power implications.
Excellent technical documentation skills with strong written and verbal communication abilities.
Knowledge of high-performance design strategies and low-power microarchitecture techniques (preferred).
Remote (Santa Clara, CA)+344 days ago
$198,600–$297,800
SoC Architecture
CPU Microarchitecture
Performance Modeling
Linux
Firmware
Memory Management
PMU
Data Analysis
Scripting
System Configuration
I/O Subsystems