Fellow - Lead SoC Architect

AMD; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

AMD in San Jose seeks an exceptional SoC Architect to lead architecture for next-gen physical AI SoCs, spanning processor subsystems, AI acceleration, interconnects, memory hierarchy, and advanced I/O. You will shape long-term architectural strategy and guide cross-functional teams across RTL, verification, physical design, firmware, and software.

You are a recognized expert in heterogeneous SoC design with a track record in CPUs/GPUs, AI accelerators, and high-bandwidth memory, delivering

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering.
• Technical expert and thought leader in SoC Architecture, patents/publications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the architecture for next-gen physical AI SoCs, spanning processor subsystems, GPU/AI acceleration, coherent and non-coherent interconnects, memory hierarchy, and advanced I/O.
• Define long-term SoC architectural strategy aligned with product, roadmap, and customer requirements.
• Drive system-level analysis, including performance modeling, power modeling, silicon feasibility studies, and early floorplan architecture.
• Develop clear, detailed architecture specifications for compute, memory, interconnect, safety/security, boot/configuration, and SoC management subsystems.
• Guide cross-functional execution, providing leadership across RTL design, verification, physical design, firmware, software, and platform teams.
• Collaborate deeply with customers, translating use-cases—especially Automotive ADAS/IVI, Wireless modem/control, and AI inference/training—into robust SoC architectural requirements.
• Evaluate emerging processor IP, including next-gen x86/ARM cores, GPUs, NPUs, DSPs, and open compute accelerators, and guide integration strategy.
• Lead PPA trade-off decisions, ensuring architectural choices align with product cost, performance, power targets, and manufacturability constraints.
• Innovate cross-cutting technologies such as safety islands, hardware security modules, heterogeneous coherency, traffic shaping, system QoS, and power management.
• Mentor architects across the organization, elevating architectural rigor, methodology, and technical leadership capability.

Skills

SoC architecture

Heterogeneous compute

x86/ARM cores

AI accelerator design

Interconnect fabrics

Memory technology

Performance modeling

Technical leadership

Education

MS or PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Architectural modeling tools

Performance simulation frameworks

Job description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING

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. Together, we advance your career.

THE ROLE

We are seeking an exceptional SoC Architect to lead the architecture definition and technical direction for our next‑generation physical AI SoC platform. This individual will define the overall SoC architecture, drive system‑level innovation, and deliver breakthrough architectures spanning heterogeneous compute, advanced memory systems, AI acceleration, high‑performance interconnects, and leading‑edge I/Os.

As a senior technical leader, you will influence long‑term silicon architecture strategy, collaborate closely with internal/external partners, and guide teams across architecture, design, verification, physical implementation, software, and customer engineering. This role has broad organizational impact and is integral to shaping the future of AMD’s physical AI SoCs.

THE PERSON

You are a recognized industry expert in heterogeneous SoC architecture, with deep experience in CPUs, GPUs, AI acceleration, and high‑bandwidth memory/interconnect design. You excel in driving clarity in complex technical programs, balancing performance, power, area, and cost trade‑offs. You communicate with authority and empathy, influence at executive and engineering levels, and thrive in fast‑paced, cross‑domain environments.

You bring a strong innovation mindset, a passion for emerging workloads—especially in Automotive, Wireless, and AI—and a track record of delivering differentiated SoC solutions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and lead the architecture for next‑gen physical AI SoCs, spanning processor subsystems, GPU/AI acceleration, coherent and non‑coherent interconnects, memory hierarchy, and advanced I/O.
• Define long‑term SoC architectural strategy aligned with product, roadmap, and customer requirements.
• Drive system‑level analysis, including performance modeling, power modeling, silicon feasibility studies, and early floorplan architecture.
• Develop clear, detailed architecture specifications for compute, memory, interconnect, safety/security, boot/configuration, and SoC management subsystems.
• Guide cross‑functional execution, providing leadership across RTL design, verification, physical design, firmware, software, and platform teams.
• Collaborate deeply with customers, translating use‑cases—especially Automotive ADAS/IVI, Wireless modem/control, and AI inference/training—into robust SoC architectural requirements.
• Evaluate emerging processor IP, including next‑gen x86/ARM cores, GPUs, NPUs, DSPs, and open compute accelerators, and guide integration strategy.
• Lead PPA trade‑off decisions, ensuring architectural choices align with product cost, performance, power targets, and manufacturability constraints.
• Innovate cross‑cutting technologies such as safety islands, hardware security modules, heterogeneous coherency, traffic shaping, system QoS, and power management.
• Mentor architects across the organization, elevating architectural rigor, methodology, and technical leadership capability.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Proven track record defining and delivering architecture for complex heterogeneous SoCs in advanced nodes.
• Expertise in x86 and ARM based processor subsystems, GPU compute architecture, AI accelerators, DSP pipelines, and heterogeneous compute integration.
• Strong technical leadership across interconnect fabrics and memory technology & sub subsystems.
• Experience with Automotive, Wireless systems, and AI/ML use‑cases.
• Familiarity with high‑speed I/Os, multi‑chiplet partitioning, and chiplet interconnect standards.
• Proficiency with architectural modeling and performance simulation frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to influence silicon strategy, ecosystem partners, and customer roadmaps.

ACADEMIC & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• MS or PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Technical expert and thought leader in SoC Architecture, with patents, publications, or major architectural wins strongly preferred.

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

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.

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.