Principal Performance Architect

Advanced Micro Devices; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Micro Devices is seeking a Performance Architect to lead pre-silicon performance architecture focusing on x86 SoCs. This technical role involves modeling and competitive analysis to shape product competitiveness. Candidates should have a strong background in CPU/GPU architectures and hold a MS/PhD in relevant fields. The position can be based in Austin, TX, or remotely within the US, and offers the opportunity to work collaboratively across architecture, design, and firmware teams.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of CPU/GPU microarchitecture, memory hierarchy, and SoC interconnects.
• Hands-on experience with performance simulators.
• Deep experience with workloads—SPEC and industry benchmarks.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-silicon performance architecture and performance modeling.
• Define performance KPIs and workload suites for modeling.
• Drive competitive performance projections against major competitors.

Skills

CPU/GPU microarchitecture understanding

Performance simulation experience

Scripting skills (Python, C++, MATLAB)

Experience with ML and automotive 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.

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 lead and 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.

LOCATION:

Austin, TX or US Remote

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's "Responsible AI Policy" is available.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.