Principal CPU Architect - High-Performance and Physical Design

NVIDIA Gruppe; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 272,000 - 431,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

NVIDIA seeks a senior CPU architect to design high-performance server-class processors, bridging architecture, RTL, and physical design. You will influence power delivery, regulation, di/dt, and thermal strategies across the full stack from software to process.

With 15+ years in CPU architecture and a deep background in high-frequency server CPUs, you will evaluate packaging options and drive innovations for Grace-like cores. Base salary varies by location and experience.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of relevant experience.
• Extensive background in CPU architecture and high-frequency server CPU design.
• Solid understanding of power dissipation, delivery, and efficiency concepts.
• Detailed understanding of process technologies and circuit design.
• Knowledge of tradeoffs related to advanced packaging techniques.
• Power management techniques spanning SW, Architecture, RTL, VLSI, and process.

Responsibilities

• Bridge the gap between architecture, RTL implementation, and physical design.
• Serve as subject matter expert on power delivery/regulators, power gating, di/dt, and thermal throttling.
• Analyze power trade-offs for different die stacking and packaging proposals.
• Propose and drive improvements related to high-frequency design and power methodology for our custom CPU cores.

Skills

CPU architecture

High-frequency design

Power management

RTL/physical design interaction

Education

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience

Tools

Process technology

Advanced packaging

Job description

We are seeking a senior CPU architect with deep experience designing high-performance, high-frequency server-class processors. This role focuses on the interaction between CPU architecture, power-performance optimization, and physical design.

The successful candidate will understand how microarchitectural and RTL decisions translate into frequency, power delivery, timing, thermal, area, and implementation constraints. The role spans CPU architecture, RTL, standard-cell and circuit-level tradeoffs, physical design, process technology, and advanced packaging.

What you'll be doing:

• Bridge the gap between architecture, RTL implementation, and physical design.
• Serve as subject matter expert on power delivery/regulators, power gating, di/dt, and thermal throttling.
• Analyze power trade-offs for different die stacking and packaging proposals.
• Propose and drive improvements related to high-frequency design and power methodology for our custom CPU cores.

What we need to see:

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 15 or more years of relevant experience.
• Extensive background in CPU architecture and high-frequency server CPU design.
• Solid understanding of power dissipation, delivery, and efficiency concepts.
• Detailed understanding of process technologies and circuit design.
• Knowledge of tradeoffs related to advanced packaging techniques.
• Well versed in power management techniques that span the entire stack from SW, Architecture, RTL, VLSI, and process.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• PhD or research experience.
• Advanced knowledge in the area of physical design.
• Knowledge of GPU and SOC design.
• Strong communication skills.

NVIDIA is a global leader in accelerated computing, delivering breakthroughs in AI, HPC, and advanced system design. Our technologies power transformative applications across industries - from robotics and autonomous vehicles to healthcare and climate research.

With the introduction of the Grace CPU Superchip, and more recently, the announcement of the Vera CPU, NVIDIA has expanded into the CPU server market, complementing our world-class GPUs and SoCs. These CPUs play a critical role in orchestrating complex workloads with exceptional performance-per-watt efficiency. The CPU architecture team is driving innovations that integrate seamlessly with NVIDIA’s broader technology stack, enabling faster AI model training, agentic use-cases, efficient data processing, and scalable cloud deployments.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 24, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.