Senior CPU HW Performance Architect

Manning Global AG; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Manning Global is recruiting a Senior CPU Performance Architect in the UK to lead next-generation CPU core design, performance modeling, and microarchitectural exploration. The role focuses on optimizing performance, power, and area in collaboration with hardware and software teams.

The candidate should have 5+ years in relevant fields and strong skills in C++, Python, and analytical problem-solving. This is a full-time, office-based position in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or a PhD.
• Deep knowledge of CPU microarchitecture, including fetch/decode, branch prediction, rename/dispatch, OoO execution, and memory hierarchies.
• Solid understanding of performance, power, and area trade-offs in high-performance CPU microarchitectures.
• Proficiency in advanced software engineering practices, performance profiling methods, and multi-language development (e.g., modern C++, Python).
• Strong analytical and debugging skills across complex systems.
• Excellent technical communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive next-generation high-performance CPU core development as a key member of the CPU Performance team.
• Lead performance modeling, workload analysis, and microarchitectural exploration to guide design trade-offs across PPA.
• Define next-generation CPU microarchitecture and high-level specifications with cross-functional teams.
• Build and refine cycle-accurate simulators to evaluate microarchitectural concepts.
• Propose novel microarchitectural features and quantify PPA impacts to drive decisions.
• Profile workloads, analyze bottlenecks, and identify architectural sensitivities to guide core optimization.

Skills

CPU microarchitecture

Performance analysis

C++ / Python

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

BS/MS in CS/CE/EE or PhD

Tools

Cycle-accurate simulators

Performance modeling tools

Job description

Manning Global, a premier global staffing and managed services provider, specializing in worldwide leading Industry sectors such as ICT, AI, Technology, Digital Media, Engineering, Automotive and Energy, is recruiting for a Senior CPU Performance Architect on behalf of one of their top-tier international clients to join their organization in the UK.

Job Title

Senior CPU Performance Architect

Employment

Full time

Start Date

ASAP

Country

Cambridge, UK - Office based

Salary range

Dependant upon experience

Contact

Zuni Gonzalez | [phone]

Key Responsibilities

• Drive next-generation high-performance CPU core development as a key member of the CPU Performance team. You will lead performance modeling, workload analysis, and microarchitectural exploration to guide critical design trade-offs across performance, power, and area (PPA).

• Microarchitecture Definition: Define next-generation CPU microarchitecture and high-level specifications in close partnership with cross-functional hardware and software teams.

• Performance Modeling & Simulation: Build and refine cycle-accurate and functional simulators to evaluate emerging microarchitectural concepts.

• Architecture Exploration & Trade-offs: Propose novel microarchitectural features and quantify PPA impacts to drive balanced design decisions.

• Workload & Sensitivity Analysis: Profile target workloads, analyze bottlenecks, and identify architectural sensitivities to steer core optimization.

• This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the client.

Experience/Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or a PhD.

• Deep knowledge of CPU microarchitecture, focusing on areas such as fetch/decode, branch prediction, rename/dispatch, out-of-order execution, execution units, load/store, prefetching, or memory hierarchies.

• Solid understanding of performance, power, and area (PPA) trade-offs within high-performance CPU microarchitectures.

• Proficiency in advanced software engineering practices, performance profiling methodologies, and multi-language development (e.g., modern C++, Python).

• Strong analytical and debugging skills across complex systems.

• Excellent technical communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Desired Experience

• Deep expertise in cutting-edge CPU architecture and microarchitecture.

• Track record of delivering microarchitectural innovations from concept to silicon.

• Hands-on experience with cycle-accurate simulators and performance models.

• Experience with pre-silicon performance analysis.

• Broad understanding of OS, compilers, and application-level workloads.

• Demonstrated leadership via patents, peer-reviewed publications, or notable industry impact.