Principal GPU Architect

European Tech Recruit; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

European Tech Recruit is seeking a Principal GPU Architect for its Cambourne team to build cycle-accurate models of GPU subsystems and guide microarchitectural decisions. You will analyze workloads and collaborate with model, RTL, DV, driver and compiler teams to ensure architectural intent is implemented and optimized.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in GPU or AI accelerator architecture, strong modeling experience, and deep knowledge of Vulkan/OpenGL/DirectX.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of industry experience.
• Experience in GPU/compute/AI accelerator architectures.
• Strong modeling and simulation experience.
• Solid understanding of graphics APIs (Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX).
• Proficiency in C/C++, SystemC, or Python.
• Experience with performance analysis and workloads.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain cycle-accurate models of GPU subsystems (shader cores, memory hierarchy, interconnect).
• Use modeling and profiling to explore architectural trade-offs and guide microarchitecture decisions.
• Analyze workloads using simulation and hardware profiling to identify bottlenecks and optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with model, RTL, DV, driver and compiler and performance teams to ensure architectural intent is correctly implemented, verified and tuned.
• Provide architectural input to compiler/driver/runtime teams to maximize utilization of GPU hardware through software optimizations.
• Develop methodologies, tools and automation flows for GPU performance estimation, capacity planning and regression analysis.
• Lead the debug and root cause analysis of performance, power and bandwidth issues observed in models, emulation and silicon.
• Drive cross-team technical discussions, present modeling results and architectural proposals, and influence roadmap decisions for next generation GPUs.

Skills

GPU architecture

Performance modeling

Graphics APIs

C/C++

Python

Profiling tools

SystemC

Cross-team collaboration

Education

BS in CS/EE

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

SystemC

CUDA

OpenCL

Job description

European Tech Recruit are working closely with a leading fabless semiconductor company, based in Cambourne, who are looking for a talented Principal GPU Architect to join their team.

Responsibilities as Principal GPU Architect:

• Build and maintain cycle-accurate / performance / functional models of GPU subsystems (e.g., shader cores, fixed-function units, memory hierarchy, interconnect).
• Use modeling and profiling to explore architectural trade-offs (performance, power, area) and guide microarchitecture decisions.
• Analyze workloads (games, graphics benchmarks, GPU compute, AI/ML kernels) using simulation and hardware profiling to identify bottlenecks and optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with model, RTL, DV, driver and compiler and performance teams to ensure architectural intent is correctly implemented, verified and tuned.
• Provide architectural input to compiler/driver/runtime teams to maximize utilization of GPU hardware through software optimizations.
• Develop methodologies, tools and automation flows for GPU performance estimation, capacity planning and regression analysis.
• Lead the debug and root cause analysis of performance, power and bandwidth issues observed in models, emulation and silicon.
• Drive cross-team technical discussions, present modeling results and architectural proposals, and influence roadmap decisions for next generation GPUs.

Required:

• BS, MS or PhD degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering or related majors.
• 7+ years of industry experience.
• Experience in GPU, graphics, high performance compute, AI accelerator, or related architecture/modeling areas.
• Strong experience with performance and/or cycle accurate modeling, simulation frameworks, or architectural exploration for complex SoCs or accelerators.
• Solid understanding of graphics and compute APIs such as Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX and/or GPU compute frameworks (e.g., OpenCL, CUDA, Metal).
• Proficiency in at least one modeling or implementation language (e.g., C/C++, SystemC, Python) and familiarity with scripting for data analysis and automation.
• Experience with performance analysis tools, profiling methodologies and workload characterization for games, benchmarks and/or GPU compute workloads.
• Good written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical topics clearly and drive consensus across teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with mobile/low power GPU design and power/performance trade off analysis.
• Background in compiler, driver, or runtime optimization for GPUs or accelerators.
• Familiarity with ML/AI workloads, DNN operators and their mapping onto GPU or accelerator architectures.
• Experience collaborating with silicon implementation, physical design and DV teams on performance and power sign off.

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