CPU Core RTL Design Engineer

AMD; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

AMD in Austin is seeking a CPU Core RTL Design Engineer to help design and optimize next‑generation high‑performance processor cores. You will collaborate with architecture, performance, verification, and physical design teams to deliver scalable RTL, improve power, timing, and area, and contribute to core microarchitecture features.

This role offers exposure to client, server, and AI platforms across AMD, with opportunities to impact future CPU designs.

Qualifications

• Experience with Verilog/SystemVerilog RTL development in CPU/SoC/ASIC environments.
• Strong understanding of modern CPU architecture, especially out‑of‑order cores.
• Expertise in logic design and high‑speed processor pipeline development.
• Experience with load/store units or similar core subsystems.
• Knowledge of power‑efficient and low‑power design techniques, including timing and power optimization.
• Familiarity with synthesis, place‑and‑route, and timing closure.
• Experience debugging and optimizing designs in collaboration with performance and verification teams.
• Exposure to the full product lifecycle, from architecture through post‑silicon debug.
• Familiarity with physical design, scripting (e.g., Python, Tcl), and concepts such as DFT, clocking, reset, and power management.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement RTL for CPU core pipeline components and related logic.
• Contribute to microarchitecture definition for next‑generation processor cores.
• Collaborate with architecture, verification, and performance teams to deliver optimized designs.
• Analyze and improve performance, power, and timing characteristics.
• Support design verification, synthesis, timing closure, and physical design efforts.
• Debug and resolve pre‑silicon and post‑silicon issues.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to align on design trade‑offs and execution.
• Contribute to scalable RTL methodologies, libraries, and best practices.

Skills

Verilog/SystemVerilog RTL development

CPU architecture

Logic design

Load/store units

Power optimization

Synthesis/place-and-route

Debugging with performance

DFT/clocking/reset/power management

Python

Tcl scripting

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Job description

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next‑generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.

The Role

As a CPU Core RTL Design Engineer, you will help design and optimize next‑generation high‑performance processor cores within AMD’s central core RTL team, which supports a wide range of products across client, server, and AI platforms. Working closely with architecture, performance, verification, and physical design partners, you will contribute to the development of core pipeline logic and microarchitecture features, with flexibility to align to areas such as load/store or decode based on your expertise. This role has direct impact on performance, power efficiency, and scalability of future CPU designs, offering the opportunity to solve complex technical challenges and influence the direction of cutting‑edge processor technology.

The Person

You are a strong problem solver with deep curiosity about CPU architecture and a passion for building efficient, high‑performance designs. You collaborate effectively across teams, communicate clearly, and can operate independently to drive complex technical challenges to resolution. You bring both critical thinking and creativity, along with the ability to balance performance, power, and timing considerations in modern processor design.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement RTL for CPU core pipeline components and related logic
• Contribute to microarchitecture definition for next‑generation processor cores
• Collaborate with architecture, verification, and performance teams to deliver optimized designs
• Analyze and improve performance, power, and timing characteristics
• Support design verification, synthesis, timing closure, and physical design efforts
• Debug and resolve pre‑silicon and post‑silicon issues
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to align on design trade‑offs and execution
• Contribute to scalable RTL methodologies, libraries, and best practices

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Verilog/SystemVerilog RTL development in CPU, SoC, or ASIC environments
• Strong understanding of modern CPU architecture, especially out‑of‑order cores
• Expertise in logic design and high‑speed processor pipeline development
• Experience with load/store units or similar core subsystems
• Knowledge of power‑efficient and low‑power design techniques, including timing and power optimization
• Familiarity with synthesis, place‑and‑route, and timing closure
• Experience debugging and optimizing designs in collaboration with performance and verification teams
• Exposure to the full product lifecycle, from architecture through post‑silicon debug
• Familiarity with physical design, scripting (e.g., Python, Tcl), and concepts such as DFT, clocking, reset, and power management

Academic Credentials

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field preferred

Benefits

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

Equal‑Opportunity Statement

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee‑based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal‑opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third‑party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

Additional Information

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here. This posting is for an existing vacancy.