Lead CPU Performance Architect

Google LLC; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 192,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Google LLC is seeking a senior hardware architect focused on CPU microarchitecture and performance modeling. You will design and evaluate high-performance cores, build precise PPA models, and document CPU subsystem specifications.

Collaboration with RTL, physical design, and verification teams is essential to deliver production-ready microarchitectures. US-based candidates can expect a compensation package including a base salary, a 20% bonus target, equity, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience with CPU microarchitecture design and performance modeling.
• Experience with software performance analysis and high-performance computer architectures.
• Experience in performance modeling, performance analysis, workload characterization, or PPA optimization.
• Experience in C/C++ or other scripting languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative microarchitectural features to significantly enhance CPU performance.
• Model complex core microarchitectural concepts and evaluate PPA trade-offs for a buildable CPU.
• Define and document CPU subsystem microarchitecture specifications.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with RTL, physical design, and verification teams for a high-performance CPU implementation.
• Drive performance correlation between the model and RTL and triage pre/post-silicon performance issues.

Skills

CPU microarchitecture

Performance modeling

C/C++

Cross-functional collaboration

RTL collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

PhD required (preferred)

Job description

In most instances, this position requires in-person interviews as part of the hiring process.

Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Austin, TX, USA; Mountain View, CA, USA; Portland, OR, USA; Poughkeepsie, NY, USA.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience with CPU microarchitecture design and performance modeling.
• Experience with software performance analysis and improvement, and high performance computer architectures (e.g., CPU, memory subsystem, multiprocessing).
• Experience in performance modeling, performance analysis, workload characterization, or PPA optimization.
• Experience in C/C++ or other scripting languages.

Preferred qualifications

• PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science with a focus on computer architecture.
• Experience leading CPU microarchitectural exploration, defining specifications, and building high-fidelity C/C++ performance models.
• Experience with modern processor instruction set architectures (ISAs) such as ARM, RISC-V, or x86.
• Experience with system software stacks, including operating system kernels (Linux), device drivers, and runtime environments.
• Experience guiding technical strategy and mentoring engineers.
• Ability to communicate in English fluently to support client relationship management in this region.

About the job

Be part of a team that pushes boundaries, developing custom silicon solutions that power the future of Google's direct-to-consumer products. You'll contribute to the innovation behind products loved by millions worldwide. Your expertise will shape the next generation of hardware experiences, delivering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and integration. Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Our team combines the best of Google AI, Software, and Hardware to create radically helpful experiences. We research, design, and develop new technologies and hardware to make computing faster, seamless, and more powerful. We aim to make people's lives better through technology. Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $192000 - $278000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits

Responsibilities

Learn more about benefits at Google .

• Develop innovative microarchitectural features to significantly enhance CPU performance.
• Model complex core microarchitectural concepts and evaluate Performance, Power, and Area (PPA) trade-offs to deliver a buildable, production-ready microarchitecture.
• Define and document comprehensive CPU subsystem microarchitecture specifications.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with RTL, physical design, and verification teams to ensure a high-performance, power-efficient CPU implementation.
• Drive performance correlation between the performance model and RTL implementation and perform pre-silicon and post-silicon performance bug triage.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .