Principal Engineer, AI System Architect

Conductor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 214,000 - 342,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an AI System Architect, where you will lead innovative hardware design and performance modeling for next-generation AI systems. In this pivotal role, you will tackle challenges in memory bandwidth and communication bottlenecks, collaborating with a diverse team of experts to push the boundaries of technology. You'll have the opportunity to shape the future of AI, contributing to groundbreaking solutions that enhance developer productivity and system performance. This role offers a dynamic environment with a strong focus on inclusion and employee well-being, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about driving technological advancements.

Benefits

4+ weeks paid time off

Flexible work environment

Onsite café and gym

Paid therapy sessions

Charitable giving match

Fertility care stipend

Medical travel support

Errand service

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in system architecture for large-scale computing.
• Deep expertise in AI system design with knowledge in LLMs and DLRMs.

Responsibilities

• Architect next-generation AI systems for state-of-the-art performance.
• Provide technical leadership in compute, memory, and network topologies.

Skills

AI system design

Hardware/software co-design

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Tools

ML compilers

Simulation models

Job description

To provide the best candidate experience amidst our high application volumes, each candidate is limited to 10 applications across all open jobs within a 6-month period.

Advancing the World’s Technology Together
Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future.

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

What You’ll Do

The Architecture Research Lab (ARL) is tackling two of the biggest challenges in AI today—memory bandwidth and communication bottlenecks. By leveraging Samsung’s world-leading memory technologies, we are developing next-generation AI systems that break through these limitations while improving developer productivity.

This effort spans:

1. Hardware: Memory, networking, compute, and power optimization.
2. Software: System software, frameworks, and runtime optimization.
3. Application & Performance Modeling: Developing tools to guide architectural decisions.

We are seeking an AI System Architect to help shape the future of AI systems through innovative system-level hardware design, performance modeling, and hardware/software co-design.

Location: Daily onsite presence at our San Jose office/headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy.

Job ID: 42536

Key Responsibilities

• Architect next-generation AI systems to address modern AI challenges and achieve state-of-the-art system-level performance.
• Provide technical leadership, driving system component direction and selection in the area of compute, memory, and network topologies; analyze bottlenecks and come up with innovative solutions.
• Supervise the development and validation of analytical and simulation-based system models to project AI system performance.
• Leverage modeling infrastructure for design space exploration and system-level optimization.
• Collaborate effectively with other HW/SW architects, application experts, and performance modeling experts across sites and time zones.
• Occasional domestic and international travel (<10%).

What You Bring

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 15+ years of experience in system architecture for large-scale computing, with specific AI focus preferred.
• Deep expertise in AI system design, and knowledge in LLMs, DLRMs, and other representative AI workloads.
• Strong understanding of compute, memory, and networking bottlenecks in AI systems.
• Proven experience in AI hardware architecture at both system and component levels.
• Background in hardware/software co-design for AI systems.
• Hands-on experience in developing analytical and event-driven simulation models.
• Experience in ML compilers and runtime optimization preferred.
• Familiarity with AI software stacks and frameworks preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of setting technical direction and guiding teams.
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• A collaborative mindset, curiosity, and resilience in solving complex challenges.

What We Offer
The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Individual pay rates depend on a number of factors—including the role’s function and location, as well as the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, education, and training. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.

Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
Enjoy Time Away You’ll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.
Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way—including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, medical travel support, and an errand service.
Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and paid therapy sessions, you’ll have support no matter where you are.
Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That’s why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

Base Pay Range
$214,060 - $341,940 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy-related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.

Covid-19 Policy

To help keep our employees, customers, and communities safe, we've developed guidelines for our team. Currently, we encourage vaccination for all employees and may require it depending on job functions (e.g., traveling for business, meeting with customers). While visiting our offices or attending team events, we ask employees to complete a daily health questionnaire and complete a weekly COVID test. Our COVID policies are subject to change depending on public health, regulatory, and business circumstances.

Applicant Privacy Policy
https://semiconductor.samsung.com/us/careers/privacy