CPU Research Engineer

Microtech Global Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company based in Cambridge is seeking a CPU Research Engineer to research and develop advanced data prefetching techniques, speculative execution mechanisms, and branch prediction innovations. The ideal candidate will hold a Master or PhD degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Physics, and possess strong programming skills in C, C++, and Python. This full-time on-site role involves collaboration with UK universities and compiler teams to push the boundaries of processor architectures.

Qualifications

• Master/PhD degree required in relevant fields.
• Strong knowledge of computer architectures and processor design.
• Deep understanding of speculative execution and branch prediction.

Responsibilities

• Research data prefetching techniques using ML-based predictors.
• Design speculative execution mechanisms and thread-level speculation.
• Innovate branch prediction techniques for next-gen processors.

Skills

C programming

C++ programming

Python programming

Assembly languages

Scripting languages

Microarchitecture simulation

Performance modeling

Education

Master/PhD in Computer Science/Engineering/Physics

Tools

gem5

Sniper

ChampSim

LLVM

GCC

Job description

Job Title: CPU Research Engineer

Location: Cambridge, UK (Full Time On-Site)

Type: Fixed Term Contract

Duration: 12 Months (Highly Likely to Extend)

Key Responsibilities

• Research and develop next-generation data prefetching techniques including ML-based predictors and irregular access pattern prediction.
• Design advanced speculative execution mechanisms and thread-level speculation (TLS).
• Research branch prediction innovations including neural branch predictors, path-based prediction, slice-based prediction, and conditional control flow slice techniques.
• Design ISA extensions and microarchitectural support for compiler-directed optimizations including software pipelining and instruction scheduling hints.
• Propose microarchitectural support for JIT compilation, dynamic optimization, and adaptive execution.
• Design simulation and prototyping frameworks integrating compiler toolchains with architectural models for microarchitectural evaluation.
• Participate in joint research projects with top tier UK universities, compiler teams, and OS kernel developers on future processor architectures.

Requirements

• Master/PhD degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Physics etc.
• Strong knowledge of advanced computer architectures, superscalar processor design, and compiler design principles.
• Deep understanding of speculative execution, branch prediction, and out-of-order execution.
• Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, assembly languages (Arm64 assembly or RISC-V assembly), and scripting languages.
• Experience with cycle-accurate microarchitecture simulation and performance modelling.

Desirables

• Experience with gem5, Sniper, ChampSim, or other cycle-accurate detailed microarchitecture simulators.
• Experience with LLVM backend development or custom ISA extension implementation.
• Strong knowledge of profile-guided optimization (PGO) and feedback-directed optimization.
• Experience with compiler development (LLVM, GCC) or compiler optimization techniques.
• Experience with OS kernel development and understanding of scheduler and memory manager internals.
• Knowledge of binary translation, dynamic binary instrumentation, or JIT compilation techniques.
• Understanding of hardware-enforced security mechanisms (CFI, PAC, BTI, MTE on Arm).
• Experience with co-simulation frameworks integrating ISA simulators with compiler toolchains.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies: processing-in-memory (PIM), near-data processing, chiplet architectures.

If this sounds of interest, please apply here or reach out to #