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Computer Architect Jobs in Berkeley, CA (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 ...

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 ...

SiFive

Core Performance Architect

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$254K - $310K/yr

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.

SiFive

Core Performance Architect

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$178K - $218K/yr

MS in Computer Science / Computer Architecture * 3+ years of experience in high performance processor development * 3+ years involved in the engineering team to deliver HW or SW products. * Hands-on ...

SiFive

Core Performance Architect

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$158K - $194K/yr

MS in Computer Science / Computer Architecture * 1+ years of experience in high performance processor development * 1+ years involved in the engineering team to deliver HW or SW products. * Hands-on ...

SiFive

Core Performance Architect

Berkeley, CA

$178K - $218K/yr

MS in Computer Science / Computer Architecture * 3+ years of experience in high performance processor development * 3+ years involved in the engineering team to deliver HW or SW products. * Hands-on ...

Meta

Machine Learning SoC Architect

Menlo Park, CA

$212K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience * Experience and knowledge of Computer Architecture concepts such as ...

Opticore

Compiler Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

At Opticore, you will work alongside our Computer Architect to co-design the ISA and execution model, then own the compiler stack that targets it: from high-level ML model representations down to ...

Moneta Ventures

Technical Architect

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$214 - $215/hr

Required Bachelor's or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems ... Architect, Software Engineer, or related. Any suitable combination of education, training or ...

Jobsbridge

Cloud Architect

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$76.50 - $97.50/hr

S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Technology, or military experience - At least 6 years- experience in systems architecture - At least 4 years- Open-Source Software tools and ...

Tailored Brands

Staff Architect

Dublin, CA · On-site

$71 - $93.50/hr

Bachelor's degree in Computer and Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Engineering or a ... Architecture; 5 years of experience with cloud-based solutions (AWS, GCP, Azure); 5 years of solid ...

Info Way Solutions

Systems Architect

Fremont, CA · On-site

$266K/yr

Required : • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or other ... architecture design, engineering (hardware and software) and optimization. • Expert/lead ...

Info Way Solutions

Systems Architect

Fremont, CA · On-site

$266K/yr

Required : • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or other ... architecture design, engineering (hardware and software) and optimization. • Expert/lead ...

eIQ Mobility

Software Architect

Oakland, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (Masters or PhD preferred but not required). * At least 5 years of experience as a software architect. * Experience ...

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All JobsComputer Architect JobsComputer Architect Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Computer Architect information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$195.3K

$214.3K

$231.4K

How much do computer architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer architect in Berkeley, CA is $214,276.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $205,100.00 and $223,500.00 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.
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For Computer Architect jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Architect jobs in Berkeley, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Architect jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Computer Architect jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Computer Architect job openings:

Computer Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Architect job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $214,276 per year, or $103 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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