CPU Architecture Performance Engineer
Qualcomm · Austin, TX
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- On site
- Full-time
- $160,000 / year
- Austin, TX
Job highlights
- Design and verify custom CPUs for mobile devices.
- Focus on performance and architecture.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.
- Utilize RTL simulation and performance modeling.
- Requires strong C++, Verilog, and Python skills.
About the role
CPU Architecture Performance Engineer
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking a CPU Architecture Performance Engineer to join their Engineering Group. This role focuses on the design and performance verification of world-class custom CPUs for mobile and portable computers, impacting industries globally. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, verify, and implement multi-core CPU operations.
Potential Areas of Work
- Performance verification for custom CPUs.
- Focus on mobile and portable computer processors.
- Collaboration with design and performance teams.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Demonstrate proficiency in CPU architecture areas such as fetch, decode, branch prediction, renaming, execute units, SIMD, load/store, MMU, caches, and retire.
- Verify performance features between RTL and models, with strong troubleshooting abilities.
- Develop test cases and validate new features in collaboration with design and performance teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- MS degree in Computer Architecture with 5+ years of practical experience.
- Good CPU architecture and micro-architecture knowledge.
- Experience in RTL simulation and performance modeling environments.
- Proficiency in Verilog, C, C++, and scripting languages like Perl or Python.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to prove innovative ideas.
- Knowledge and experience with common performance benchmarks and workloads.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
- OR Master's degree in a related field with 1+ year of relevant experience.
- OR PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
Key skills/competency
- CPU Architecture
- Performance Verification
- RTL Simulation
- Micro-architecture
- Verilog
- C++
- Python
- Performance Modeling
- Test Case Development
- Troubleshooting
Skills & topics
- CPU Architecture
- Performance Engineering
- RTL Simulation
- Microarchitecture
- Verilog
- C++
- Python
- Performance Modeling
- Computer Engineering
- Hardware Engineering
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your expertise in CPU architecture, performance verification, and relevant programming languages like Verilog, C++, and Python. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
- Showcase your experience: Emphasize your practical experience with RTL simulation, performance modeling, and common benchmarks.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss CPU micro-architecture concepts, debugging scenarios, and problem-solving approaches.
- Research Qualcomm: Understand Qualcomm's innovation in mobile technology and semiconductor design to align your answers with their mission and values.
Technical preparation
Master CPU architecture fundamentals: pipelines, caches, etc.,Practice Verilog, C++, and Python coding.,Set up and use RTL simulation environments.,Familiarize with performance benchmarks.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex CPU performance issue you solved.,How do you collaborate with design teams?,How do you validate new CPU features?,How do you stay updated on CPU trends?
Frequently asked questions
- What specific CPU architecture areas are most important for this Qualcomm role?
- For the CPU Architecture Performance Engineer role at Qualcomm, proficiency in areas like fetch, decode, branch prediction, renaming, execute units, SIMD, load/store, MMU, caches, and retire is highly valued. Demonstrating deep understanding in one or more of these is crucial.
- What programming languages and tools are essential for a Qualcomm CPU Engineer?
- Qualcomm looks for proficiency in Verilog for hardware description, C and C++ for software and modeling, and scripting languages such as Perl or Python for automation and tool development. Experience in RTL simulation and performance modeling environments is also key.
- How does Qualcomm approach performance verification for its CPUs?
- Qualcomm's approach to CPU performance verification involves rigorously checking performance features between RTL and simulation models. This requires strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve discrepancies, ensuring optimal performance for their cutting-edge processors.
- What is the expected educational background for a CPU Architecture Performance Engineer at Qualcomm?
- Qualcomm typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, along with 2+ years of relevant experience. A Master's degree with 1+ year of experience, or a PhD in a related field, are also accepted pathways.
- How can I demonstrate my problem-solving abilities for this Qualcomm CPU role?
- To demonstrate your problem-solving skills for a Qualcomm CPU role, highlight instances where you've successfully troubleshooted complex issues in simulation environments, validated new features, or developed innovative solutions to performance challenges. Be ready to discuss your thought process during interviews.