Staff SOC Performance Architect

Arm; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 198,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

Arm is seeking a SoC Performance Engineer to push the boundaries of system performance on Arm IP. You will work with architects and performance engineers to shape next-gen interconnect IP used in infrastructure, automotive, and mobile markets.

The role demands deep technical capability, ownership, and collaboration in a hybrid work setting. Responsibilities include building cycle-accurate models, evaluating architectural Trade-offs, and delivering performance insights for internal teams and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with strong foundation in computer architecture, microarchitecture, and performance analysis.
• Proven experience in SoC performance modeling and/or RTL within the semiconductor industry.
• Strong C++ skills for large-scale software development.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with micro-architects, RTL, and validation engineers to develop cycle-accurate timing and performance models for coherent and non-coherent interconnects.
• Drive new feature development, evaluating architectural trade-offs and their impact on system-level performance.
• Build high-quality, well-correlated performance models used for internal analysis and customer evaluation.
• Partner with internal teams and external customers to deliver collateral and insights for high-performing Arm systems.
• Design performance test suites, identify bottlenecks, validate expectations, and propose data-driven solutions.

Skills

C++

SystemC TLM

Python scripting

RTL

SoC performance modeling

Performance analysis

Microarchitecture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science

Job description

About Arm System IP

Arm System IP enables designers to build high-performance, power-efficient, and reliable AMBA-based systems across a wide range of applications—from ultra-efficient IoT endpoints to ground breaking server-class SoCs. Our silicon-proven portfolio spans interconnects, security IP, system controllers, debug and trace, and IP tooling, all purpose-built and optimized for Arm Cortex processors and Arm Mali multimedia IP. As stewards of the open AMBA interface standard, System IP provides the foundation that empowers design teams across the Arm ecosystem to build better, faster, and more efficient systems.

The Role: SoC Performance Engineer

We are looking for experienced SoC performance engineers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of system performance on Arm IP. In this role, you will work alongside a collaborative team of architects and performance engineers to shape the next generation of high-performance interconnect IP. Your work will directly influence Arm systems used in infrastructure, automotive, and mobile markets, helping partners across the ecosystem build world-class products. This is a role for someone who enjoys deep technical challenges, takes pride in delivering high-quality work, and brings curiosity and ownership to everything they do.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate closely with micro-architects, RTL, and validation engineers to develop cycle-accurate timing and performance models for coherent and non-coherent interconnects.
• Drive new feature development, evaluating architectural trade-offs and their impact on system-level performance.
• Build high-quality, well-correlated performance models used for both internal analysis and customer evaluation.
• Partner with internal teams and external customers to deliver the collateral and insights needed to build the highest-performing systems on Arm technology.
• Design performance test suites, identify bottlenecks, validate expectations, and propose practical, data-driven solutions.

What We’re Looking For

Required Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, with a strong foundation in computer architecture, microarchitecture, and performance analysis.
• proven experience in SoC performance modeling and/or RTL within the semiconductor industry.
• A proven track record of developing cycle-accurate performance models and evaluating microarchitectural features for future performance improvements.
• Strong C++ skills for large-scale software development.
• Experience with SystemC TLM and proficiency in Python scripting.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of interconnect microarchitecture, PCIe, and CHI protocols.
• Familiarity with realistic workloads used for system performance optimization.
• Experience with performance verification methodologies and correlating software models with RTL.

What Sets You Apart

Beyond Technical Expertise, We’re Looking For Someone Who

• Brings a can-do, proactive attitude and takes ownership of problems end-to-end.
• Is willing to focus and commit to deliver robust, high-quality solutions.
• Has a strong sense of curiosity and is eager to learn new domains, even when they’re outside your current comfort zone.
• Thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys learning from—and contributing to—a team of experts.

What We Offer

• A hybrid working model that balances flexibility with in-person collaboration.
• Time in the office to foster strong team connections and technical collaboration, while remaining accommodating to individual working needs.
• The opportunity to work on industry-defining IP that powers products used by billions of people worldwide.

Salary Range:

$198,100-$268,000 per year

Accommodations at Arm

At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email [e-mail]. To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation. Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of support include breaks between interviews, having documents read aloud, or office accessibility. Please email us about anything we can do to accommodate you during the recruitment process.

Hybrid Working at Arm

Arm’s approach to hybrid working is designed to create a working environment that supports both high performance and personal wellbeing. We believe in bringing people together face to face to enable us to work at pace, whilst recognizing the value of flexibility. Within that framework, we empower groups/teams to determine their own hybrid working patterns, depending on the work and the team’s needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, the flexibility we can offer is limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, and where this is the case, we will collaborate with you to find the best solution. Please talk to us to find out more about what this could look like for you.

Equal Opportunities at Arm

Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.