Principal CPU Performance Architect

Reposted One Month Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Santa Clara, CA, USA
In-Office
272K-431K Annually
Expert/Leader
Artificial Intelligence • Computer Vision • Hardware • Robotics • Metaverse
The Role
As a CPU Performance Architect, you'll innovate CPU performance through microarchitecture, model improvements, resolve timing and power issues, and collaborate with teams. The role demands over 16 years of experience in CPU projects and strong advocacy and critical thinking skills.
Summary Generated by Built In

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

At NVIDIA, we’re transforming the way the world interacts with technology. Our CPUs are at the heart of groundbreaking innovations across AI, gaming, and autonomous vehicles. Join our CPU Performance Architecture team in Santa Clara, CA, and be part of a company that is pushing boundaries and making an outstanding impact globally. This is your opportunity to help build the future of computing with your expertise and passion!

What you'll be doing:

  • Innovating and improving CPU performance through modern microarchitectural ideas.

  • Modeling potential improvements to determine their merit and feasibility.

  • Implementing effective solutions and collaborating closely with build, verification, and post-silicon teams.

  • Resolving critical issues related to timing, power, and area to achieve flawless implementation.

  • Partnering with lead microarchitects to meet the CPU core’s performance, area, and power targets.

  • Advocating for microarchitectural ideas, communicating their benefits and drawbacks in various mediums.

  • Driving the microarchitecture segment with enthusiasm and energy, leading by example.

What we need to see:

  • Deep understanding of brand new CPU microarchitecture and architecture.

  • Proven track record of CPU microarchitectural innovation across areas such as Front End CPU Uarch, Midcore CPU Uarch, and Memory Subsystem CPU Uarch.

  • Experience in performance modeling, debugging, and demonstrating the merit of innovative ideas.

  • Close collaboration skills with build and verification teams to successfully implement microarchitectural improvements.

  • At least 16+ years of experience in a frontline role within brand new CPU projects.

  • Strong critical thinking, communication, and advocacy abilities.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience leading microarchitecture segments and driving initiatives.

  • History of collaboration with architects and microarchitects to achieve ambitious targets.

  • Demonstrated ability to think critically and advocate for complex ideas successfully.

  • Enthusiasm for driving innovation and leading by doing.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 20, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. 

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Skills Required

  • At least 16+ years of experience in a frontline role within brand new CPU projects
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
  • Deep understanding of brand new CPU microarchitecture and architecture
  • Proven track record of CPU microarchitectural innovation

NVIDIA Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about NVIDIA and has not been reviewed or approved by NVIDIA.

  • Equity Value & Accessibility Equity awards and a discounted ESPP are highlighted as core parts of total compensation, enabling employees to share in the company’s success. Stock-based compensation and the two-year lookback ESPP are consistently described as especially valuable.
  • Healthcare Strength Health coverage is portrayed as robust, with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options alongside mental health support and on-site care resources. Employer HSA contributions and wellness perks reinforce the depth of the offering.
  • Retirement Support Retirement programs are depicted as strong, featuring a meaningful 401(k) match with Roth options and support for Mega Backdoor Roth contributions. These elements position long-term savings as a notable advantage of the total rewards package.

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The Company
HQ: Santa Clara, CA
21,960 Employees
Year Founded: 1993

What We Do

NVIDIA’s invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing — with the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Today, NVIDIA is increasingly known as “the AI computing company.”

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