Core Performance Architect

SiFive; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 254,340 - 310,860; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Healthcare plans

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading tech company is seeking a Performance Architect to lead the research and development of next-generation high-performance processors in Berkeley, California. The successful candidate will guide a team to design innovative architecture while collaborating with product management and design teams. Required qualifications include an MS or PhD in Computer Science or related fields, at least 10 years in processor development, and hands-on expertise in hardware development. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in high-performance processor development.
• 5+ years in engineering to deliver hardware or software products.
• Hands-on expertise with hardware development (RTL/implementation flows).
• Strong foundation in out-of-order CPU designs.

Responsibilities

• Guide a team to develop architecture for high-performance processors.
• Define performance targets with product management.
• Design experiments for micro-architecture features.
• Collaborate with design teams for performance target implementation.

Skills

High-performance processor development

Performance bottleneck analysis

Computer architecture knowledge

HW/SW performance characterization

FPGA debugging

Education

MS or PhD in Computer Science / Computer Architecture

Tools

Integrated Logic Analyzer

Job description

The Role

SiFive, a leader in RISC‑V CPU IPs, is looking for an experienced leader in research and development of next‑generation high‑performance processors. The performance architect will guide the performance team, working closely with the architect and design team to research and develop the highest performance core architecture and micro‑architecture.

Responsibilities

• Guide a team of performance engineers to research, model and develop architecture/micro‑architecture ideas to build state‑of‑the‑art performance processors that reach our aggressive performance targets.
• Work with Product Management and Product Architect to define architecture/product performance targets.
• Design and carry out experiments to research and develop architecture/micro‑architecture features.
• Work with the design team to implement and deliver performance targets in RTL.

Requirements

• MS or PhD in Computer Science / Computer Architecture.
• 10+ years of experience in high‑performance processor development.
• 5+ years involved in the engineering team to deliver HW or SW products.
• Hands‑on expertise with either HW development (RTL/implementation flows, verification/validation, backend flows, FPGA flows); FPGA debug, including the use of Integrated Logic Analyzer for waveform capture and debug.
• Expert in analyzing performance bottlenecks in micro‑architecture and software stack. Awareness of potential security holes is a plus.
• Strong foundation in computer architecture of high‑performance out‑of‑order CPU designs. Awareness of known industry micro‑architectures is a plus.
• Strong foundation in workload characterization to identify HW/SW performance bottlenecks.
• Strong foundation in workload reduction techniques for efficient performance simulation and projection.

Pay & Benefits

Consistent with SiFive values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. We have a market‑based pay structure which varies by location. Base pay range: $254,340.00–$310,860.00. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for variable/incentive compensation and/or equity. The role is eligible for a comprehensive, competitive benefits package which may include healthcare and retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

Additional Information

This position requires a successful background and reference checks and satisfactory proof of your right to work in United States of America. Any offer of employment for this position is also contingent on the Company verifying that you are an authorized for access to export‑controlled technology under applicable export control laws or, if you are not already authorized, our ability to successfully obtain any necessary export license(s) or other approvals.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SiFive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an E‑Verify employer, we use the system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires in accordance with federal law. All applicants will be required to complete a Form I‑9, Employment Eligibility Verification, upon hire. We do not use E‑Verify to pre‑screen job candidates and will comply with all E‑Verify regulations.