NVIDIA
Principal CPU Architect - High-Performance and Physical Design
$272K–$431K
US, CA, Santa Clara +2 · Principal · Full-time · Posted Oct 7, 2026
- Location
- US, CA, Santa Clara
US, TX, Austin
US, OR, Hillsboro - Experience
- 15 or more years of relevant experience.
- Education
- BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
About the job
Leads CPU architecture and physical-design improvements for custom high-frequency server CPUs, optimizing power, performance, and implementation tradeoffs.
What you'll do
- Bridge CPU architecture, RTL implementation, and physical design.
- Advise on power delivery, regulators, power gating, di/dt, and thermal throttling; assess power tradeoffs in die stacking and packaging.
- Drive improvements to high-frequency design and power methodology for custom CPU cores.
What they ask for
- Extensive background in CPU architecture and high-frequency server CPU design.
- Solid understanding of power dissipation, delivery, and efficiency.
- Detailed understanding of process technologies and circuit design, plus tradeoffs in advanced packaging.
- Knowledge of power management across software, architecture, RTL, VLSI, and process.
Nice to have
- PhD or research experience; advanced knowledge of physical design.
- Knowledge of GPU and SOC design; strong communication skills.
Pay
272,000 USD - 431,250 USD (base salary)
Tools
RTL, standard-cell, VLSI
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative