CPU Micro-Architect

Position Summary

Samsung, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, is founded on a simple philosophy – the endless pursuit of excellence will create a better world for all. At Samsung Austin Research and Development Center (SARC) and Advanced Computing Lab (ACL), we are building a center of excellence for Intellectual Property (IP) that is applied to high-performance computing devices (mobile, automotive, and other custom market segments) consumed by millions of people around the world. Come build with us!

Role and Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly experienced CPU Micro-Architect to join our team at Samsung SARC/ACL. As a CPU Micro-Architect, you will be responsible for designing and optimizing high-performance CPU microarchitectures for mobile, data center, and other applications. You will develop and implement innovative microarchitecture techniques, analyze performance, and optimize SoC designs.

• You design and optimize high-performance CPU microarchitectures for mobile and other applications
• You perform quantitative analysis of key mobile benchmarks and correlate with hardware performance monitoring unit (PMU) stats
• You develop and implement innovative microarchitecture techniques such as pipelining, caching, prefetching, and branch prediction
• You collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and integrate system-on-chip (SoC) designs
• You analyze and optimize CPU performance using top-down microarchitecture analysis methods
• You extract and assess key microarchitecture ideas from open literature and apply them to our designs
• You write RTL code (Verilog or SV) and C/C++/Python scripts for performance evaluation of microarchitecture techniques

Skills and Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• 15+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Engineering, or 13+ years of experience with a Master’s Degree, or 11+ years of experience with a Ph.D.
• Strong fundamentals in key computer architecture concepts, such as virtual aliasing, pipelining, cache hierarchies, coherency, memory subsystem, etc.
• Deep knowledge in high-performance OoO CPU microarchitecture and SOTA optimization techniques in key areas such as pipelining, interlock, caching, prefetching, branch prediction, cache/TLB hierarchy and their PPA implications
• Ability to perform quantitative analysis of key mobile benchmarks such as Geekbench6 and SPECCPU17 and correlation with HW PMU stats (cache misses, TLB misses, pipeline stalls, etc.)
• Extensive programming experience with RTL code (Verilog or SV), and writing C/C++/Python scripts, for performance evaluation of uarch techniques
• Working experience with top-down microarchitecture analysis method (based on PMU stats)
• Ability to extract and assess key uarch ideas in open literature 
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Actual RTL implementation experience on high-performance OoO processors
• Knowledge of system-on-chip (SoC) design and integration
• Experience with machine learning and AI accelerators
• Working experience of Armv8/v9 ISA and extensions or equivalent (such as x86 and RISCV), particularly in the areas of vector/AI/security/memory safety features (such as Realms, memory tag extension) and their use cases

Our Team

The System IP & SoC Architecture team at SARC/ACL designs proprietary coherent interconnects and memory controllers that power Exynos SoCs for Samsung’s premium consumer devices. We play a critical role in shaping the technology roadmap, delivering scalable, performance- and power-optimized IP solutions that support advanced system modeling and real-world applications such as gaming and computational photography. With scalability and efficiency at the core of our designs, our IP integrates seamlessly into complex semiconductor products, enabling cutting-edge memory subsystem capabilities across diverse market segments.

Joining our team means collaborating alongside talented engineers from diverse technical backgrounds across a global organization. You’ll have the opportunity to build next-generation technologies, broaden your expertise, and solve impactful challenges in a supportive environment built on collaboration, continuous learning, and growth.

Total Rewards

At Samsung – SARC/ACL, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $180,200 and $297,200. Your actual base pay will depend on variables that may include your education skills, qualifications, experience, and work location.

Samsung employees have access to benefits including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), onsite lunch, employee purchase program, tuition assistance (after 6 months), paid time off, student loan program, wellness incentives, and many more. In addition, regular full-time employees (salaried or hourly) are eligible for MBO bonus compensation, based on company, division, and individual performance.

Additionally, this role might be eligible to participate in long term incentive plan and relocation.

This is an exempt position, which is not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

U.S. Export Control

This position requires the ability to access information subject to U.S. export control restrictions.  Applicants must have the ability to access export-controlled information or be eligible to receive a government authorization to access export-controlled information.

Trade Secrets

By submitting an application, you [applicant] agree[s] not to disclose to Samsung, or induce Samsung to use, any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to any current or previous employer or other person or entity.

#SARC #ACL

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