Sr. Performance Modeling Architect

Tenstorrent; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenstorrent is seeking a CPU Performance Modeling Architect to shape the next generation of high-performance RISC-V CPUs optimized for AI and HPC workloads. This role is hybrid, based out of Santa Clara, CA or Austin, TX, and welcomes candidates at varying experience levels.

You will explore architectural decisions, leverage modeling tools, and collaborate across silicon, systems, and software teams to impact real-world performance across AI workloads.

Qualifications

• PhD preferred (MS considered).
• Experience in CPU core/mid-core/microarchitecture development.
• Experience with performance modeling tools (Gem5, SST, SimpleScalar or equivalent).
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python or similar.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to shaping next-gen high-performance RISC-V CPUs for AI/HPC.
• Perform architectural modeling and analysis to influence design decisions.
• Collaborate with CPU architects and software teams across projects.
• Translate performance data into actionable architectural trade-offs.

Skills

CPU architecture

Performance modeling

C++

Python

Team collaboration

Education

PhD preferred

MS considered

Tools

Gem5

SST

SimpleScalar

Job description

Tenstorrent is leading the industry on cutting-edge AI technology, revolutionizing performance expectations, ease of use, and cost efficiency. With AI redefining the computing paradigm, solutions must evolve to unify innovations in software models, compilers, platforms, networking, and semiconductors. Our diverse team of technologists have developed a high performance RISC-V CPU from scratch, and share a passion for AI and a deep desire to build the best AI platform possible. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to solving hard problems. We are growing our team and looking for contributors of all seniorities.

Tenstorrent is building cutting-edge processors and systems for AI workloads, bringing together world-class expertise in silicon, systems, and software. We are seeking a CPU Performance Modeling Architect to help shape the next generation of high-performance RISC-V CPUs optimized for AI and high-performance computing applications. This role is ideal for early-career architects with a strong academic background, ideally a PhD, who have experience working on CPU core or mid-core architecture and are passionate about using performance modeling to influence architectural decisions.

This role is hybrid, based out of Santa Clara, CA or Austin, TX.

We welcome candidates at various experience levels for this role. During the interview process, candidates will be assessed for the appropriate level, and offers will align with that level, which may differ from the one in this posting.

Who You Are

• You have 1-5 years of industry experience or equivalent research experience in CPU architecture, performance analysis, or microarchitecture development.
• You have a strong foundation in CPU core or mid-core design and understand modern processor pipelines and performance tradeoffs.
• You enjoy combining analytical thinking, software development, and hardware architecture to solve complex performance challenges.
• You are collaborative, curious, and excited to work on building industry-leading AI compute platforms.

What We Need

• PhD preferred (MS considered) in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience working on CPU core, mid-core, or microarchitecture development through industry, research, or advanced academic projects.
• Experience with performance modeling tools such as Gem5, SST, SimpleScalar, or equivalent simulation environments.
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python, or similar languages used for architectural modeling and analysis.
• Understanding of processor subsystems such as instruction scheduling, branch prediction, caches, memory hierarchy, prefetching, and execution pipelines.

What You Will Learn

• Gain hands-on experience building high-performance RISC-V CPUs from the ground up.
• Learn how architectural decisions translate into real-world performance across AI and HPC workloads.
• Work alongside world-class CPU architects to influence the direction of next-generation AI compute systems.
• Expand your expertise in performance modeling, workload analysis, and hardware-software co-design at scale

Compensation for all engineers at Tenstorrent ranges from $100k - $500k including base and variable compensation targets. Experience, skills, education, background and location all impact the actual offer made.

Tenstorrent offers a highly competitive compensation package and benefits, and we are an equal opportunity employer.

This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicant being eligible to access U.S. export-controlled technology. Due to U.S. export laws, including those codified in the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Company is required to ensure compliance with these laws when transferring technology to nationals of certain countries (such as EAR Country Groups D:1, E1, and E2). These requirements apply to persons located in the U.S. and all countries outside the U.S. As the position offered will have direct and/or indirect access to information, systems, or technologies subject to these laws, the offer may be contingent upon your citizenship/permanent residency status or ability to obtain prior license approval from the U.S. Commerce Department or applicable federal agency. If employment is not possible due to U.S. export laws, any offer of employment will be rescinded.