We are seeking a senior CPU architect with deep experience designing high-performance, high-frequency server-class processors. This role focuses on the interaction between CPU architecture, power-performance optimization, and physical design.
The successful candidate will understand how microarchitectural and RTL decisions translate into frequency, power delivery, timing, thermal, area, and implementation constraints. The role spans CPU architecture, RTL, standard-cell and circuit-level tradeoffs, physical design, process technology, and advanced packaging.
What you'll be doing:
Bridge the gap between architecture, RTL implementation, and physical design.
Serve as subject matter expert on power delivery/regulators, power gating, di/dt, and thermal throttling.
Analyze power trade-offs for different die stacking and packaging proposals.
Propose and drive improvements related to high-frequency design and power methodology for our custom CPU cores.
What we need to see:
BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
15 or more years of relevant experience.
Extensive background in CPU architecture and high-frequency server CPU design.
Solid understanding of power dissipation, delivery, and efficiency concepts.
Detailed understanding of process technologies and circuit design.
Knowledge of tradeoffs related to advanced packaging techniques.
Well versed in power management techniques that span the entire stack from SW, Architecture, RTL, VLSI, and process.
Ways to stand out from the crowd:
PhD or research experience.
Advanced knowledge in the area of physical design.
Knowledge of GPU and SOC design.
Strong communication skills.
NVIDIA is a global leader in accelerated computing, delivering breakthroughs in AI, HPC, and advanced system design. Our technologies power transformative applications across industries — from robotics and autonomous vehicles to healthcare and climate research.
With the introduction of the Grace CPU Superchip, and more recently, the announcement of the Vera CPU, NVIDIA has expanded into the CPU server market, complementing our world-class GPUs and SoCs. These CPUs play a critical role in orchestrating complex workloads with exceptional performance-per-watt efficiency. The CPU architecture team is driving innovations that integrate seamlessly with NVIDIA’s broader technology stack, enabling faster AI model training, agentic use-cases, efficient data processing, and scalable cloud deployments.
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.
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
- 15 or more years of relevant experience
- BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering
- Extensive background in CPU architecture
- Solid understanding of power consumption and efficiency
- Experience of RTL development
- Detailed understanding of process technologies and circuit design
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
NVIDIA Insights
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.”
