Principal Engineer, CPU Architecture & Performance Research

What You’ll Do

• Define and evaluate CPU micro-architectural features for future cores (frontend, execution engine, memory hierarchy, interconnect).
• Lead performance analysis using simulators, RTL.
• Help develop and validate performance models (cycle-accurate, trace-driven, statistical).
• Characterize workloads (SPEC, server, client, AI/ML, cloud, internal traces) and translate findings into architectural requirements.
• Identify performance bottlenecks and propose data-driven optimizations.
• Drive architecture-to-implementation alignment with design team.
• Collaborate with compiler, OS, and system architects on cross-stack performance issues.
• Mentor senior and staff engineers; provide technical leadership across projects.
• Work leading to patents and publication

What You Bring

• Master’s with 18+ years of experience in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• or PhD with 15+ years of experience preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in CPU microarchitecture and/or performance engineering.
• Experience with RISC-V, ARM or X86 architectures.
• Strong understanding of:
• Out-of-order execution, branch prediction, pipelines, and speculation
• Cache coherence, memory systems, prefetching, and NUMA effects
• Hands-on experience with architectural simulators (like gem5).
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python.
• Familiarity with compiler optimizations and hardware/software co-design.
• Familiarity with SIMD / Vectors / VME for AI inference workloads.
• Experience analyzing large performance datasets and traces.
• Proven ability (Tapeout / Patents /Publications) to influence architecture / micro architectural decisions through quantitative analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in power/performance/area (PPA) trade-off analysis.
• Experience with SIMD/Vectors.
• Experience with compiler optimizations and hardware/software co-design.
• Prior technical leadership at Senior Staff or Principal level.
• You’re inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
• You approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
• You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.

What We Offer

• The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.
• This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.
• Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
• Enjoy Time Away You’ll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.
• Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way—including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, medical travel support, and virtual vet care for your fur babies.
• Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions, you’ll have support no matter where you are.
• Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
• Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That’s why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.
• Base Pay Range $219,000 - $351,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Recruiting Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.

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At Samsung Semiconductor, we support innovation and technology. However, to ensure a fair and authentic assessment, we ask that candidates rely on their own knowledge and skills throughout the process. AI tools may be used for basic preparation, grammar, and research, but should not be used to generate or assist with submitted content or live interview responses. If we determine that AI is being used outside these guidelines, we reserve the right to pause or end the interview, and your candidacy may be disqualified.

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