Principal GPU Memory Architect

NVIDIA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 272,000 - 431,250; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA in Santa Clara, CA seeks a world-class computer architect to advance future high-performance computing systems. You will focus on memory systems, power, and performance per watt, collaborating across teams to push energy efficiency in cutting-edge GPUs.

Responsibilities include designing architectures, modeling power and area, and evaluating on real silicon and RTL paths while optimizing perf/W and perf/mm. Collaboration with partners is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Experience in CPU/GPU architecture with a focus on energy efficiency.
• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Expertise in power analysis and modeling in pipeline-based architectures.
• Experience with power analysis tools such as Ansys PowerArtist and Synopsys PTPX.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and scripting languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-performance processor and system architectures focusing on memory and energy efficiency.
• Improve GPU memory systems for perf/W, perf/mm, and perf/$.
• Develop architecture prototype models for power and noise analysis.
• Perform performance and power simulations to optimize energy per byte.
• Analyze benchmarks/workloads to identify architecture optimizations.
• Debug power, performance, and functional issues across models, RTL, silicon, and systems.
• Collaborate with outside partners on system infrastructure.

Skills

CPU/GPU architecture

Memory systems design

Energy efficiency

Power analysis

Performance modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

C/C++

Python

Ansys PowerArtist

Synopsys PTPX

Job description

NVIDIA is seeking a world‑class computer architect to contribute to the development of future high-performance computing systems, with a focus on enhancing the power‑constrained performance of the hardware. Ideal candidates will have a strong track record of understanding and analyzing memory systems architecture to improve performance per watt (perf/W) and performance per millimeter (perf/mm). A broad perspective across the field of computer architecture and depth in the area of power, performance, and area (PPA) analysis is highly desirable. NVIDIA has pioneered programmable GPUs and the CUDA language and is a world leader in high‑performance computing technology, with aggressive plans for future processors. This position offers the opportunity to have a real impact in a fast‑moving, technology‑focused company.

What you will be doing:

• Develop innovative high‑performance processor and system architectures, focusing on the memory system and energy efficiency.
• Develop architecture and micro‑architecture features to improve the state‑of‑the‑art in GPU memory systems, optimizing along the axes of perf/W, perf/mm, and perf/$.
• Develop and enhance architecture prototype models for power and noise analysis.
• Participate in performance and power simulation of features to analyze, define, and improve energy per byte.
• Analyze benchmarks, application workloads, and performance/power simulation and emulation results to identify areas for architecture optimizations.
• Debug power, performance, and functional issues with high‑level models, RTL simulation and emulation, silicon, and systems.
• Collaborate with outside partners on system infrastructure.

What we want to see:

• 18+ yrs of experience in CPU/GPU architecture, memory systems design with a focus on energy efficiency in the system.
• Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Expertise in power analysis and modeling in pipeline‑based architectures.
• Good understanding of power analysis tools like Ansys Power Artist, Synopsys PTPX, etc.
• Experience with C, C++, and some scripting languages.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Experience with hardware design languages such as Verilog or VHDL
• Prior experience in developing and optimizing algorithms for power efficiency
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive continuous improvement in system architecture
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

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 March 3, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse 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.