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Computer Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Opticore

Computer Architect

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Deep background in computer architecture: ISA design, microarchitecture, memory systems, execution models * Experience building and using performance models or architectural simulators * Strong ...

Apple

Real-Time Computer Vision Architect

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Description The Architecture team within our organization is responsible for bringing together computer vision algorithms, firmware, and low-level software teams to drive some of the most exciting ...

Etched

ASIC Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $265K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a talented Computer Architect to join our architecture team and contribute to the design of next-generation AI accelerators. This role focuses on developing and optimizing ...

Etched

ASIC Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $265K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a talented Computer Architect to join our architecture team and contribute to the design of next-generation AI accelerators. This role focuses on developing and optimizing ...

The Consensus

ASIC Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$190 - $280/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a talented Computer Architect to join our architecture team and contribute to the design of next-generation AI accelerators. This role focuses on developing and optimizing ...

Nvidia

Principal GPU Memory Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

NVIDIA is seeking a world-class computer architect to contribute to the development of future high-performance computing systems, with a focus on enhancing the power-constrained performance of the ...

Nvidia

Principal GPU Memory Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

NVIDIA is seeking a world-class computer architect to contribute to the development of future high-performance computing systems, with a focus on enhancing the power-constrained performance of the ...

Etched.ai, Inc.

ASIC Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a talented Computer Architect to join our architecture team and contribute to the design of next‑generation AI accelerators. This role focuses on developing and ...

Nvidia

Senior GPU Memory Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... We are seeking a world-class computer architect to contribute to the development of future high ...

Nvidia

Senior GPU Memory Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... We are seeking a world-class computer architect to contribute to the development of future high ...

Conductor

XPU Architect

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

Knowledge of both computer architecture but also silicon implementation, and understanding of the realistic constraints that silicon implementation places upon architectural options * Deep ...

Apple

Systems Architect

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$299K/yr

Minimum Qualifications MS Degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent ... Passion for software architecture, APIs and high-performance extensible software Experience with ...

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All JobsComputer Architect JobsComputer Architect Jobs in California

Computer Architect information

See California salary details

$157.4K

$172.7K

$186.5K

How much do computer architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer architect in California is $172,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $165,300.00 and $180,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer architect?

Computer Architects are professionals who design and develop the structure and functionality of computer systems, including processors, memory systems, and data pathways. They focus on optimizing performance, energy efficiency, and scalability to meet specific computing needs. Computer Architects often work closely with hardware and software engineers to create innovative computing solutions for industries ranging from consumer electronics to high-performance computing. Their work is critical in shaping the capabilities and efficiency of modern computers.

What does a computer architect do?

A computer architect designs software to enhance a company’s network performance. As a computer architect, you design software, write algorithms, and engineer new systems to improve performance and function goals. Your responsibilities include maintaining data and putting together new components to help the business systems run more efficiently based on the company’s needs. Computer architects may also work with computer hardware, researching, developing, designing, and testing computer equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Architect, you need deep knowledge of computer hardware design, digital logic, and computer organization, usually backed by a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with hardware description languages (HDLs) like VHDL or Verilog, simulation tools, and performance analysis software is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills are essential for designing efficient, high-performance computing systems that meet organizational and technological needs.

How does a computer architect typically collaborate with hardware and software teams during a project?

Computer Architects play a crucial role in bridging the gap between hardware and software teams to ensure system designs are both innovative and practical. They regularly participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss requirements, performance goals, and potential design trade-offs. By working closely with hardware engineers, they help define processor specifications and system layouts, while collaborating with software developers to optimize code for the architecture. This collaborative environment allows Computer Architects to influence both the physical hardware and the software that runs on it, ensuring overall system efficiency.

What is the difference between Computer Architect vs Computer Hardware Engineer?

AspectComputer ArchitectComputer Hardware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or master's in computer science, computer engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesigning and planning computer systems, often in R&D or design firmsDeveloping, testing, and manufacturing hardware components in labs or manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed in designing new computer architectures for CPUs, GPUs, and systemsUsed in creating physical hardware components like circuit boards, processors, and peripherals

Computer Architects focus on designing the overall structure and architecture of computer systems, while Computer Hardware Engineers work on developing and testing the physical hardware components. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in their focus areas within the computing industry.

Are computer architects in demand?

Computer architects are in high demand due to the growing need for advanced hardware design, system optimization, and integration of emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing. They typically require strong knowledge of hardware description languages, system architecture, and relevant certifications, with employment opportunities available in technology companies, research institutions, and manufacturing sectors.

How much do computer architects make?

Computer architects, also known as hardware architects or system architects, typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in digital design, knowledge of hardware description languages, and certifications can influence earning potential.

What degree do you need for computer architect?

A computer architect typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with strong knowledge of hardware design, systems architecture, and experience with programming and hardware description languages.
More about Computer Architect jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Architect jobs in California?

The most popular types of Computer Architect jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Computer Architect jobs in California?

For Computer Architect jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Architect jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Architect jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Computer Architect jobs?

Cities in California with the most Computer Architect job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Computer Architect jobs in CA?

For Computer Architect jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Computer Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Architect job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $172,708 per year, or $83 per hour.

Computer Architect

Opticore

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

You will define the foundational execution model for Opticore's photonic computing platform. At this stage, the most consequential decisions are architectural: how computation is expressed, how data moves, and where the hardware-software boundary sits. You will work directly with the chip team to design the ISA, memory hierarchy, and execution model from first principles. Everything the software stack is eventually built on depends on getting these decisions right. This is a rare opportunity to define a new compute architecture from scratch, for a genuinely novel class of hardware.

Key Responsibilities
  • Define the ISA and execution model for Opticore's photonic processor
  • Design the memory hierarchy, data flow, and compute scheduling model
  • Build performance models and simulators to evaluate architectural tradeoffs
  • Co-design with the PIC and EIC teams to ensure hardware-software decisions are made jointly, not in sequence
  • Establish the hardware-software interface that future compiler and runtime work will target
  • Identify architectural opportunities and constraints unique to photonic computing
  • Deep background in computer architecture: ISA design, microarchitecture, memory systems, execution models
  • Experience building and using performance models or architectural simulators
  • Strong understanding of how ML/LLM workloads map to hardware
  • Ability to reason from first principles about non-von-Neumann or novel compute paradigms
  • Comfortable communicating across hardware and software disciplines
Even Better If You Have
  • Experience designing custom ISAs or novel accelerator architectures (TPU, NPU, or similar)
  • Familiarity with what makes an ISA compiler-friendly, with awareness of the downstream software implications
  • Prior work on non-von-Neumann or emerging compute architectures
  • Background in quantization, sparsity, or other model-level optimizations with hardware implications

We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will reach out to shortlisted candidates.

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