Senior Performance Modelling Engineer (CPU group)

Arm; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 74,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Arm in Cambridge is seeking an experienced CPU performance modelling engineer to help define the micro-architecture of future processors. You will build and evaluate C++-based models, collaborate with RTL designers, and influence design directions for AI-focused devices across IoT, mobile, and servers.

The role combines hands-on modelling with mentoring, cross‑team collaboration, and the opportunity to shape next‑gen Arm CPUs.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of CPU micro-architecture.
• Experience with performance modelling and power-aware design.
• Proven experience in C++ and software modelling of hardware.
• Ability to explore and evaluate micro-architectural ideas.
• Strong interpersonal skills for remote/local teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive technical direction for software models of Arm's CPUs.
• Collaborate with hardware design engineers to prune design space.
• Mentor and coach other engineers; share technical expertise.

Skills

CPU micro-architecture

Performance modelling

C++

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Education

University degree in electronic engineering or computer science

Tools

SystemC

Job description

Job Overview

Would you like to join the team that defines the micro-architecture of the future Arm CPUs, and influence the future by crafting products that millions of people will use all over the world?

We are looking for engineers happy to accept the challenge of working with us on defining next generation products optimised for innovative AI algorithms that target sectors from IoT devices to mobiles, laptops and servers.

The performance team within the CPU group is responsible for early performance exploration and analysis that drive the definition of the next generation Arm CPUs.

By joining the team, you will interact closely with world-wide CPU RTL designers and implementation teams to investigate and evaluate new micro-architectural ideas and design trade-offs that will make the micro-architecture for the next products successful for the target sectors.

You will evaluate these ideas and analyse CPU performance and power developing and using C++ based models of the micro-architecture. You will also coach and mentor more junior engineers to help them grow and become deep experts on the field.

Responsibilities

• Help driving the technical direction of the team, which develops, tests and maintains software models of Arm's advance CPUs.
• Engage with hardware design engineers to prune the design space of next generation products, understanding power and performance opportunities on current processors and investigate potential micro-architectural improvements.
• Support the mentorship and coaching of other specialists; sharing your technical expertise and experience.
• With your help, we will keep improving the effectiveness of Arm modelling methodologies.
• Our team collaborates with performance, design and implementation engineers across the world. You would be involved on the communication and alignment of activities related to integration, methodologies, strategies, etc.

Required Skills And Experience

• Good interpersonal skills and capacity to work efficiently with local and remote teams.
• Detailed understanding of CPU micro-architecture.
• Experience of performance modelling.
• Experience of exploring and evaluating ideas and performance related to processor micro-architecture.
• Proven experience in C++.

Nice To Have Skills And Experience

• Team leadership, including planning and managing tasks, as well as delivery to specification and schedule.
• Strong software development experience, including design specification, coding, testing, and debugging.
• Experience with RTL and SystemC simulators.
• Experience with power models.
• Familiarity with Arm architectures and instruction sets.
• Knowledge of System Architecture and System Software including OS kernel internals.
• Experience of Unix development environment.
• University degree, ideally in electronic engineering or computer science, although other graduates would be considered if they have meaningful experience.

In Return

You will get to utilise your engineering skills to build support for technologies and influence millions of devices for years to come. You’ll share ideas with and learn new skills from some of the best engineers in the world!

Additional Information

Please note that no relocation package is available for this role.

If skilled worker sponsorship is required, Arm will meet costs associated with sponsorship for the employer only. All fees associated with the individual’s application e.g. visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, will be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

Accommodations at Arm

At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email [e-mail]. To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation. Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of support include breaks between interviews, having documents read aloud, or office accessibility. Please email us about anything we can do to accommodate you during the recruitment process.

Hybrid Working at Arm

Arm’s approach to hybrid working is designed to create a working environment that supports both high performance and personal wellbeing. We believe in bringing people together face to face to enable us to work at pace, whilst recognizing the value of flexibility. Within that framework, we empower groups/teams to determine their own hybrid working patterns, depending on the work and the team’s needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, the flexibility we can offer is limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, and where this is the case, we will collaborate with you to find the best solution. Please talk to us to find out more about what this could look like for you.

Equal Opportunities at Arm

Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Range

£73,500 - £99,500 per year