Server Performance Architect

Advanced Micro Devices; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Micro Devices in Austin, Texas is seeking a Server Systems Performance Architect responsible for architecting and optimizing performance across AMD's next-generation server CPUs. This role involves collaborating with diverse teams to drive performance verification and analysis, leveraging AI/ML techniques to enhance efficiencies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in performance modeling and CPU micro-architecture, with excellent analytical and communication skills. The company promotes a culture of innovation and collaboration, ensuring all ideas contribute to shaping the future of computing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience with performance modeling and simulation tools.
• Strong background in CPU micro-architecture and system-level performance verification.
• Familiarity with performance benchmarks like SPEC CPU.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multiple teams to validate performance KPIs.
• Analyze performance bottlenecks using data-driven techniques.
• Drive the development of AI/ML-based infrastructure for performance analysis.

Skills

Performance modeling

Simulation tools

Data-driven analysis

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

MS/PhD in Computer Engineering

Tools

Linux perf

Windows perfmon

Cycle-accurate simulators

Emulators

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.

AMD is looking for an outstanding technical contributor to help architect, validate & optimize performance of new features through full chip simulation & emulation platforms for AMD-based next‑generation servers. As a passionate and dedicated Server Systems Performance Architect in the Server Performance Group, you will identify new opportunities to optimize server silicon for throughput and latency by identifying opportunities across all parts of silicon micro‑architecture and design spanning CPU, Data Fabric, Memory subsystem and IO. You will validate and analyze performance of various design features in pre‑silicon design environment and correlate the profiling data with AMD performance model and eventually AMD silicon. You will quantify and isolate performance bottlenecks, and share the insights to help drive features into the next generation of server CPUs. The ideal candidate is expected to be well informed on latest trends in server design and verification, have a well‑rounded understanding of performance requirements for the server market and be able to quickly ascertain, in a data‑driven manner, how next‑generation server CPUs and platforms should be engineered to support those needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Dynamics
  • Foster a culture of innovation, technical rigor and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with architecture, u‑arch, RTL, performance modeling, firmware and software teams to define and validate performance KPIs.
• Performance Analysis & Correlation
  • Develop and execute performance verification plans targeting IPC, latency, throughput and power efficiency.
  • Debug performance outliers through Performance Monitoring Counters (PMC).
  • Drive correlation between RTL and performance models, ensuring architectural intent is met.
  • Analyze performance bottlenecks using simulation, emulation and silicon data.
• Toolchain & Methodology
  • Build and maintain scalable, modular performance verification infrastructure.
  • Provide emulation‑based performance setup and debug, enabling early performance validation.
  • Integrate performance regression, profiling and analysis flows using industry‑standard and custom tools.
  • Collaborate with compiler and OS teams to ensure software stack alignment with hardware performance goals.
• AI‑Driven Infrastructure
  • Drive the development of AI/ML‑based infrastructure to automate performance analysis, anomaly detection and efficiency improvements.
  • Leverage data‑driven techniques to optimize verification coverage and reduce debug cycles.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with x86 architecture, RTL design, physical design and software teams to ensure performance targets are met.
  • Influence design decisions through data‑backed performance insights.
• Industry Awareness
  • Stay current with trends in CPU architecture, performance modeling and verification technologies.
  • Evaluate and adopt emerging tools and techniques to maintain a competitive edge.

Preferred Experience

• 5+ years of industry experience with performance modeling and simulation tools (e.g., cycle‑accurate simulators, emulators) with strong background in CPU micro‑architecture, performance analysis and system‑level performance verification.
• Familiarity with PMC DV, latency and throughput validation, emulation platforms and performance debug flows.
• Deep understanding of x86 ISA, micro‑architecture and performance metrics.
• Experience in developing performance test suites, performance triage tools and simulation/emulation infrastructure.
• Expertise in performance analysis tools, correlation techniques and workload optimization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Deep knowledge of modern out‑of‑order CPU cores, memory subsystems and performance modeling is a plus.
• Familiarity with performance benchmarks like SPEC CPU.
• Experience with ML/AI techniques/frameworks for performance triage, infrastructure automation and prediction is a plus.
• Exposure to high‑performance computing (HPC), virtualization or server‑class CPUs.
• Background in hardware/software co‑design and performance‑aware compiler optimizations.
• Familiarity with pre‑silicon and post‑silicon debug methodologies.

Position Requirements

• Should have executed emulation‑based functional and performance verification for multimillion‑gate SoC designs.
• Should have strong exposure to RTL coding and SOC bring‑up debug.
• Exceptional foundation in systems architecture, cutting across CPU, memory, storage and I/O subsystems.
• Experience with hardware performance counter monitoring tools.
• Should have exposure to performance profiling tools, preferably x86 based (e.g. Linux perf, Windows perfmon).
• MS/PhD in Computer Engineering or relevant coursework or thesis.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentation).
• 4+ years relevant industry experience.

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 here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.