CPU Systems Architect - Senior Level

Company: Qualcomm
Location: Santa Clara
Posted on: March 30, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Company:Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Job Area:Engineering Group, Engineering Group > CPU Engineering General Summary: We are seeking an experienced CPU System Architect to join our team. If you possess a deep understanding of CPU system design and have a passion for architecting and designing complex, high performance and low power designs at advanced process nodes, we would be pleased to hear from you. This critical role involves Architecture and microarchitecture of the next-generation CPU system by collaborating with other CPU and SoC architects, Software and Firmware teams to optimize overall Power, Performance, Area (PPA) and thermal efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of CPU and SoC architecture across various product segment – datacenter, Mobile, Compute and Auto SoCs, including experience in microarchitecture and design of coherent CPU systems. CPU system architecture involves micro-architecture and deployment of data, control and debug features using interconnects, power management, RAS, and debug and trace blocks. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for excelling in this position. Required for this Role: - Master’s degree in computer or electrical engineering with 12 years of experience in CPU RTL or a related field - Deep knowledge of microprocessor architecture, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: - CPU system features: interconnect protocols, timer synchronization, interrupt controller, configuration access protocols, RAS and safety mechanisms - Architecture and performance monitoring, telemetry architecture - Power management: idle and Active power management strategies, limit management including thermal mitigation and clock architecture - Debug/trace architecture, scan-dump, and memory dump mechanisms - Excellent technical documentation skills, along with strong written and verbal communication abilities - Understanding of various Software and Firmware control loops and building system level solutions. - Solid understanding of logic design principles, including timing and power implications Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science or electrical engineering - Familiarity with CPU architecture and ISA - 12 years’ experience in CPU/SoC architecture - Understanding of low-power microarchitecture techniques and understanding of system constraints – over-current, TDP, voltage droop and mitigation - Developing solutions for performance and power telemetry - Understanding of Debug, trace and RAS architectures - Knowledge of high-performance design strategies and trade-offs in CPU microarchitecture Roles and Responsibilities - Work with chip architects to understand architecture concept and high-level system requirements - Take on a leadership role in developing the micro-architecture and design of high-performance CPU system - Prepare and present clear and comprehensive technical documentation to meet the needs of stakeholders, including engineering teams, senior management and internal partners. - Develop High-Level Architecture and Micro-Architecture specifications that can translate to RTL design. - Collaborate with HW, SW and FW architects to develop an optimal end-to-end CPU System architecture Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 6 years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 5 years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. OR PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 4 years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries). To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications. EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification. Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law. Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits: $198,700.00 - $298,100.00 The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link. If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

Keywords: Qualcomm, Fairfield , CPU Systems Architect - Senior Level, Engineering , Santa Clara, California