Core Performance Architect

SiFive, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 254,340 - 310,860; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

SiFive, Inc. in Santa Clara is seeking a seasoned Performance Architect to lead the development of next-generation high-performance processors. In this role, you will guide performance engineers and collaborate closely with architecture and design teams to achieve ambitious performance goals.

The ideal candidate must have a robust background in computer architecture, with at least 10 years of experience in high-performance processor development. The role demands hands-on expertise in hardware development and performance analysis.

Competitive salary range is provided, along with a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in high-performance processor development.
• 5+ years in an engineering team delivering hardware or software products.
• Hands-on expertise with hardware development including FPGA debug.
• Strong foundation in high-performance out-of-order CPU designs.

Responsibilities

• Guide a team of performance engineers to develop performance processors.
• Define architecture/product performance targets with product management.
• Design and execute experiments to research architecture features.
• Collaborate with design team to implement performance targets.

Skills

High-performance processor development

Hardware development

Performance analysis

Workload characterization

Education

MS or PhD in Computer Science / Computer Architecture

Tools

RTL implementation flows

FPGA

Job description

About SiFive

As the pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by bringing the limitless potential of RISC‑V to the highest performance and most data‑intensive applications in the world. SiFive’s unrivaled compute platforms enable leading technology companies around the world to innovate, optimize and deliver the most advanced solutions across every market segment of chip design, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, automotive, data center, mobile and consumer. With SiFive, the future of RISC‑V has no limits. We are excited to connect with talented individuals who are passionate about driving innovation and changing the world. Our teams collaborate and support each other to develop groundbreaking ideas and solutions that impact people’s lives, making the world a better place, one processor at a time.

Job Description

SiFive, a leader in RISC‑V CPU IPs, is looking for an experienced leader to help research and develop next‑generation high‑performance processors. The performance architect will guide the performance team and work closely with the architecture and design teams to research and develop the highest‑performance core architecture/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.
• Collaborate 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 in an engineering team delivering hardware or software products.
• Hands‑on expertise with hardware development (RTL/implementation flows, verification/validation, backend flows, FPGA flows); FPGA debug, including Integrated Logic Analyzer for waveform capture and debug.
• Expertise in analyzing performance bottlenecks in micro‑architecture and software stack.
• Awareness of potential security holes (plus).
• Strong foundation in computer architecture of high‑performance out‑of‑order CPU designs.
• Awareness of known industry micro‑architectures (plus).
• Strong foundation in workload characterization to identify hardware/software 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. The base pay range is a guideline, and our compensation range reflects the cost of labor in the U.S. geographic market based on the location of the role. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job‑related knowledge, skills, and relevant work experience. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee. 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. This role is also eligible for a comprehensive, competitive benefits package which may include healthcare and retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

Additional Information

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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. California residents: please see our job candidate notice for more information on how we handle your personal information and your privacy rights.