Staff Engineer, GPU Memory Architect

Samsung Electronics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. seeks a Staff GPU Memory Architect to define the architecture and implementation of next‑generation GPU memory subsystems for Exynos chipsets. You will influence performance, power, and area, and collaborate with multiple teams to integrate memory blocks into the SoC.

You will build models, run trade studies, and develop roadmaps for memory systems supporting ray tracing, AI inference, and graphics workloads in a fast‑paced global team.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Engineering, or 4+ years with a Master’s Degree, or 2+ years of experience with a Ph.D.
• 6+ years of experience in GPU architecture, design, or development, with a focus on high-performance, low-power designs.
• Knowledge of machine learning or graphics and GPU pipelines, hardware design, and computer architecture.
• Proven track record of analyzing and optimizing memory subsystems to improve PPA.
• Deep knowledge of memory hierarchies (caches, shared memory, SRAM, DRAM), bandwidth‑allocation policies, coherence protocols, and on‑chip interconnect.
• Strong background in low‑power design techniques and performance‑modeling tools (analytical models, RTL‑level simulation).
• Experience with emerging GPU workloads such as ray tracing, AI/ML inference, and AR/VR, and ability to translate algorithmic requirements into memory‑system specifications.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity in a fast‑paced, global team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture studies and micro‑architecture development for GPU global memory hierarchies, cache structures, and high‑bandwidth memory interfaces.
• Define and champion innovative features for next‑generation GPU memory and on‑chip interconnect subsystems, targeting optimal PPA.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (GPU pipeline, CPU/NPU architects, silicon validation, physical design, software) to ensure seamless integration of memory blocks into the overall system‑on‑chip (SoC).
• Build and maintain performance‑power‑area models; run architectural trade‑studies for emerging workloads such as ray‑tracing, AI inference, and large‑scale graphics.
• Drive data‑driven decision making by producing architectural roadmaps, design specifications, and validation plans.

Skills

GPU architecture

Memory subsystems

Low-power design

Performance modeling

Ray tracing

AI/ML inference

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in CS/Engineering

Master’s Degree in CS/Engineering

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

RTL-level simulation

Job description

Position Summary

Samsung, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, is founded on a simple philosophy – the endless pursuit of excellence will create a better world for all. At Samsung Austin Research and Development Center (SARC) and Advanced Computing Lab (ACL), we are building a center of excellence for Intellectual Property (IP) that is powers high-performance computing devices (mobile, automotive, and other custom market segments) consumed by millions of people around the world. Join us to shape the future of GPU memory systems!

Role and Responsibilities

As a Staff GPU Memory Architect, you will drive the definition, architecture, and implementation of next‑generation GPU memory subsystems and on‑chip interconnects for Samsung’s Exynos chipset.

In this mid-to-senior individual contributor role, you will directly influence performance, power, and area (PPA) of GPUs used in premium mobile and emerging AI workloads.

• Lead architecture studies and micro‑architecture development for GPU global memory hierarchies, cache structures, and high‑bandwidth memory interfaces.
• Define and champion innovative features for next‑generation GPU memory and on‑chip interconnect subsystems, targeting optimal PPA.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (GPU pipeline, CPU/NPU architects, silicon validation, physical design, software) to ensure seamless integration of memory blocks into the overall system‑on‑chip (SoC).
• Build and maintain performance‑power‑area models; run architectural trade‑studies for emerging workloads such as ray‑tracing, AI inference, and large‑scale graphics.
• Drive data‑driven decision making by producing architectural roadmaps, design specifications, and validation plans.

Skills and Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Engineering, or 4+ years of experience with a Master’s Degree, or 2+ years of experience with a Ph.D.
• 6+ years of experience in GPU architecture, design, or development, with a focus on high-performance, low-power designs.
• Knowledge of machine learning or graphics and GPU pipelines, hardware design, and computer architecture.
• Proven track record of analyzing and optimizing memory subsystems to improve PPA.
• Deep knowledge of memory hierarchies (caches, shared memory, SRAM, DRAM), bandwidth‑allocation policies, coherence protocols, and on‑chip interconnect.
• Strong background in low‑power design techniques and performance‑modeling tools (analytical models, RTL‑level simulation).
• Experience with emerging GPU workloads such as ray tracing, AI/ML inference, and AR/VR, and ability to translate algorithmic requirements into memory‑system specifications.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity in a fast‑paced, global team environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with CPU, NPU, or other complex processing units, such as ARM, x86, or RISC‑V.
• Experience in performance modeling, statistical analysis, and hardware‑software co‑design for AI accelerators.

Our Team

The GPU Architect team delivers whole system architecture‑level design for Samsung’s current and next‑generation mobile GPUs. Our work spans a wide range of disciplines—from early‑stage architectural exploration and research in graphics and machine learning, to shaping the GPU innovation roadmap, defining new features, building models, and delivering microarchitecture design and programming. Our Xclipse GPU is the first mobile GPU with ray tracing technology that enables console‑level graphics for Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

Joining our team means collaborating with talented engineers from diverse technical backgrounds across a global organization. Here you’ll contribute to the roadmap for next‑generation technologies, broaden your expertise, and solve impactful challenges in a supportive environment that values collaboration, continuous learning, and growth.

Total Rewards

At Samsung – SARC/ACL, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $151,000 and $251,800. Your actual base pay will depend on variables that may include your education skills, qualifications, experience, and work location.

Samsung employees have access to benefits including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), onsite lunch, employee purchase program, tuition assistance (after 6 months), paid time off, student loan program, wellness incentives, and many more. In addition, regular full‑time employees (salaried or hourly) are eligible for MBO bonus compensation, based on company, division, and individual performance.

Additionally, this role might be eligible to participate in long term incentive plan and relocation.

This is an exempt position, which is not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Trade Secrets

By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung or induce or encourage Samsung to use any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.

U.S. Export Control

This role may require access to information subject to U.S. export control laws. Applicants must be authorized to access such information or eligible for government authorization.

#SARC #ACL

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