Senior Software Engineer — Runtimes and Architecture

Arm; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 73,500 - 99,500; Full time

Job summary

Arm in Cambridge is seeking an inquisitive engineer focused on compilers, runtimes, and CPU architecture. You will study Arm extensions and assess their impact on major language runtimes and compilers, working with Arm architects and runtime engineers to shape and apply features.

You will collaborate across teams to improve the Arm architecture and contribute to open-source projects, documentation, and tooling.

Qualifications

• Flexible, problem-solving approach and eagerness to learn.
• Experience working on language runtimes, compilers or similar tech.
• Strong programming in C, C++ or Rust.
• Familiarity with computer architecture and microarchitecture (AArch64).

Responsibilities

• Analyse architecture features and find opportunities for their use in language runtimes and compilers.
• Work with architects to suggest or improve proposals, as appropriate.
• Own and be accountable for specific investigations, with guidance where appropriate.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Arm to improve the Arm architecture, and to ensure it is effectively used.
• Contribute to open-source software projects and engage with open-source communities.
• Contribute to documentation efforts (including internal documentation and external blog posts) to communicate findings.
• Help develop tooling and automation to support the above activities.

Skills

Runtimes/compilers

C/C++/Rust

Architectural knowledge

Tools

CI/build systems

Job description

We are looking for a flexible, inquisitive engineer with an interest in compilers, language runtimes, and CPU architecture. In this role, you will study existing, new and proposed extensions to the Arm architecture to determine their applicability and optimal use by a variety of modern language runtimes and compilers. You will work with Arm architects to help shape future architecture features, and with runtime engineers to ensure they are used effectively in real-world language implementations. The technologies covered include Java, JavaScript, Python, Rust, WebAssembly and more.

Responsibilities

• Analyse architecture features and find opportunities for their use in language runtimes and compilers.
• Work with architects to suggest or improve proposals, as appropriate.
• Own and be accountable for specific investigations, with guidance where appropriate.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Arm to improve the Arm architecture, and to ensure it is effectively used.
• Contribute to open-source software projects and engage with open-source communities.
• Contribute to documentation efforts (including internal documentation and external blog posts) to communicate findings.
• Help develop tooling and automation to support the above activities.

Required skills and experience

• A flexible, problem-solving approach, and a commitment to extend the breadth and depth of knowledge.
• Experience working on language runtimes, compilers or similar technologies.
• Strong programming skills in at least one of C, C++ or Rust.
• Familiarity with concepts of computer architecture and microarchitecture, such as cache hierarchies and CPU pipelines, preferably relating to AArch64.

Nice-to-have skills and experience

• Proficiency in one or more of Java, JavaScript, Python, Rust or WebAssembly.
• Familiarity with assembly language and low-level development for AArch64.
• Familiarity with Linux performance analysis tools and system-level performance tuning.
• Familiarity with build systems and CI.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects.

In return

You will have the opportunity to learn about and influence the latest Arm architecture features, working closely with highly skilled engineering teams on ground‑breaking technology. You will collaborate with diverse compiler and runtime teams and open-source communities, contributing to language implementations used by millions of developers worldwide. You will be empowered to continually identify and roll out improvements to our ways of working.

Salary Range: £73,500 - £99,500 per year

Equal Opportunities

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.