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Computer Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Masters/PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering * 10+ years of experience across performance ... Strong background in computer architecture and key high level architectural trade-offs

Senior GPU Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $206K/yr

Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering) or equivalent experience. * 3+ years of relevant computer architecture, ASIC design/verification, or software development experience.

Senior GPU Architect

Santa Clara, CA

$152K - $206K/yr

Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering) or equivalent experience. * 3+ years of relevant computer architecture, ASIC design/verification, or software development experience.

Watch Systems Architect

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$299K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field3+ years of ... architecture, wireless connectivity, or low-power design

A PhD with a focus in computer architecture is a plus. * 6+ years of meaningful work experience in GPU or CPU Architecture and development specifically in the area of memory caching and interconnects.

MS or PhD in Computer Science / Computer Architecture. * 10+ years of experience in high performance processor development * 5+ years involved in the engineering team to deliver HW or SW products.

MS or PhD in Computer Science / Computer Architecture. * 10+ years of experience in high performance processor development * 5+ years involved in the engineering team to deliver HW or SW products.

SOC Performance Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

Experience in computer architecture, software engineering, and performance analysis. * Provides multilayered technical expertise for next generation initiatives. Qualifications: Minimum ...

MS or PhD in Computer Science / Computer Architecture. * 10+ years of experience in high performance processor development * 5+ years involved in the engineering team to deliver HW or SW products.

Exposure/coursework related to Digital systems and VLSI design, Computer Architecture, C/C++ programming languages. * Software development experience with C++, python and/or perl. Verilog or SV/UVM ...

Exposure/coursework related to Digital systems and VLSI design, Computer Architecture, C/C++ programming languages. * Software development experience with C++, python and/or perl. Verilog or SV/UVM ...

AI Memory Solution Architect

San Jose, CA

$73.75 - $97.25/hr

Leveraging your deep understanding of computer architecture, you will lead and coordinate efforts between hardware and software teams. Your primary focus will be on creating optimal architectures and ...

AI Memory Solution Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$73.75 - $97.25/hr

Leveraging your deep understanding of computer architecture, you will lead and coordinate efforts between hardware and software teams. Your primary focus will be on creating optimal architectures and ...

ASIC Architect

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$196K/yr

Strong background in computer architecture and key high level architectural trade-offs ... Comfortable standing up new performance models from scratch in Python or similar analytical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Computer Architect information

See California salary details

$157.4K

$172.7K

$186.5K

How much do computer architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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 the job of a computer architect?

A computer architect designs and develops computer hardware and system architecture, including processors, memory systems, and input/output devices. They analyze performance requirements, create specifications, and collaborate with engineers to optimize hardware for specific applications, often using tools like simulation software and hardware description languages.

Is computer architecture worth IT?

Computer architects design and develop computer systems, making the field essential for advancing hardware performance and efficiency. It requires strong knowledge of digital logic, hardware design, and often involves working with tools like HDL and simulation software. The role offers opportunities in industries such as technology, manufacturing, and research, with a focus on innovation and technical expertise.

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.

How much does a computer architect make?

A computer architect typically earns a median annual salary of around $120,000, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in hardware design and system architecture can earn higher compensation, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

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 are Computer Architects?

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 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 increasing 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 often hold advanced degrees or certifications, making their skills valuable across technology sectors.

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.
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 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:
Infographic showing various Computer Architect job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $172,708 per year, or $83 per hour.
ASIC Architect

ASIC Architect

Cerebras Systems

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities

  • Translate high level architecture spec to micro-architecture feature requirements
  • Bring up new features in the performance/power model
  • Perform comprehensive PPA trade-offs for new architectural features
  • Extract insights for new features and micro-architecture power efficiency
  • Profile workloads, identify bottlenecks and project competition performance for benchmarking 
  • Engage with SW teams for end-end application level modeling at cluster level
  • Identify kernel level HW acceleration level opportunities

Qualifications

  • Masters/PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering 
  • 10+ years of experience across performance analysis and modeling across GPUs, CPUs or accelerator products
  • Strong background in computer architecture and key high level architectural trade-offs
  • Comfortable standing up new performance models from scratch in Python or similar analytical environments
  • Exposure to micro-code (kernel) performance bottlenecks and optimization techniques
  • Good understanding of how high-level workloads map to underlying micro-architecture is desired
  • Understanding of basic ML workload profiling techniques and model network architecture is preferred