Principal Performance Architect

AMD; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 192,480 - 288,720; Full time

Job summary

A semiconductor manufacturing company is looking for a Principal Performance Architect to define the next generation of SoCs. In this role, you will lead architecture modeling and performance analysis, engaging with design and product teams. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of CPU/GPU architectures, hands-on experience with performance simulators, and a relevant advanced degree. This position offers a competitive salary range and is based in Austin, Texas.

Qualifications

• Experience in performance architecture or modeling.
• Familiarity with firmware, compilers, DV, and RTL design concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-silicon performance architecture.
• Build and refine cycle-accurate performance models.
• Drive competitive performance projections.
• Analyze micro-architecture trade-offs.
• Define performance KPIs and workload suites.

Skills

Strong understanding of CPU/GPU microarchitecture

Hands-on experience with performance simulators

Scripting skills (Python, C++, MATLAB)

Experience with ML and industrial workloads

Education

MS/PhD in EE/CE/CS

Tools

gem5

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.

Principal Performance Architect

The Role

As a Performance Architect in AMD’s Embedded Business Unit, you will define and shape the next generation of x86 SoCs through deep pre-silicon performance modeling, architecture exploration, and competitive analysis.

The Person

You will work across architecture, design, firmware, and post-silicon teams to influence decisions that directly determine product competitiveness and customer experience. This is a highly technical, forward-looking, and business-critical role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead pre-silicon performance architecture, including workload-driven performance projections across CPU, GPU, NPU, memory, interconnect, and I/O subsystems.
• Build and refine cycle-accurate, trace-based, and analytical performance models for emerging SoC architectures.
• Drive competitive performance projections against products from Qualcomm, Apple, NVIDIA, Intel, MediaTek, and others.
• Analyze micro‑architecture trade‑offs (NoC, caches, memory controllers, coherency fabrics) to optimize perf/power/area; write clear recommendations to architecture.
• Own performance bottleneck analysis, microarchitectural what-if evaluations, and trade-off recommendations.
• Define performance KPIs, PnP assumptions, and workload suites for early feasibility modeling.
• Lead post-silicon performance correlation, root-cause gaps, and update pre-silicon models to improve fidelity.
• Work closely with product management, architecture, and SoC design teams to influence product definition, PPA targets, and roadmap decisions.

Preferred Experience

• Strong understanding of CPU/GPU microarchitecture, memory hierarchy, and SoC interconnects.
• Hands-on experience with performance simulators (gem5, proprietary, trace-driven frameworks).
• Deep experience with workloads—SPEC, industry vertical benchmarks, synthetic stressors.
• Strong scripting skills (Python, C++, MATLAB).
• Experience with ML, automotive, edge compute, industrial workloads.
• Familiarity with firmware, compilers, DV, and RTL design concepts.

Academic Credentials

• MS/PhD in EE/CE/CS with experience in performance architecture or modeling experience.

Base pay range

$192,480.00/yr - $288,720.00/yr

Location

Austin, TX or San Jose, CA

Benefits

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Semiconductor Manufacturing