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Computer Architecture Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$146K - $286K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

S. or Ph.D.) focused on computer architecture, memory systems, or high-performance computing. * Experience with architectural simulation tools such as gem5, SystemC, SST, or Sniper. * Deep ...

System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$146 - $286/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

S. or Ph.D.) focused on computer architecture, memory systems, or high‑performance computing. * Experience with architectural simulation tools such as gem5, SystemC, SST, or Sniper. * Deep ...

System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$146K - $286K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

S. or Ph.D.) focused on computer architecture, memory systems, or high-performance computing. * Experience with architectural simulation tools such as gem5, SystemC, SST, or Sniper. * Deep ...

System Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$146 - $286/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

D.) focused on computer architecture, memory systems, or high-performance computing.Experience with architectural simulation tools such as gem5, SystemC, SST, or Sniper.Deep understanding of DRAM ...

Senior DRAM Systems Architecture

San Jose, CA · On-site

$164K - $358K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The Memory Systems Architecture team explores complex technical challenges across the memory stack ... Master's degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer ...

Senior DRAM Systems Architecture

San Jose, CA · On-site

$164K - $358K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The Memory Systems Architecture team explores complex technical challenges across the memory stack ... Master's degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer ...

MS or PhD degree in Computer Architecture with 4+ years of practical experience * Proficiency in one or more areas of CPU architecture: fetch, decode, branch prediction, renaming, execute units, SIMD ...

Systems Performance Architect

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$206K/yr

Minimum Qualifications Bachelors Degree in EE or Computer Engineering and minimum 3 years of experience in Computer Architecture, performance analysis, or hardware modeling Understanding of CPU/GPU ...

Core Performance Architect

Santa Clara, CA

$254K - $310K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

Showing results 41-60

Computer Architecture information

See California salary details

$157.4K

$172.7K

$186.5K

How much do computer architecture jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer architecture 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 difference between Computer Architecture vs Computer Hardware Engineer?

AspectComputer ArchitectureComputer Hardware Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing the overall structure and organization of computer systemsDesigning, developing, and testing physical computer components and systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, design firms, academiaManufacturing facilities, hardware development companies
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields
Industry UsageUsed by system designers, researchers, and academiaUsed by hardware manufacturers, product developers, and engineers

While both roles involve working with computer systems, Computer Architecture focuses on designing the overall system structure and performance optimization, whereas Computer Hardware Engineers work on creating and testing physical components. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in computer architecture, and why are they important?

To thrive in Computer Architecture, you need a solid background in computer engineering or computer science, with expertise in digital logic design, processor organization, and systems-level integration. Familiarity with hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), simulation tools, and industry-standard architectures (like x86, ARM, or RISC-V) is commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on complex hardware projects. These competencies ensure the development of efficient, reliable, and innovative computing systems that meet performance and power requirements.

What is computer architecture?

Computer architecture refers to the design and organization of a computer's core components, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory systems, input/output controls, and data paths. It defines how these elements interact to execute instructions and perform tasks efficiently. Computer architects focus on optimizing performance, power consumption, and cost by making choices about hardware structure and instruction sets. Understanding computer architecture is crucial for developing faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient computing systems.

How do you become a computer architect?

To become a computer architect, typically a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science is required, often followed by a master's degree for advanced roles. Gaining experience in hardware design, digital logic, and systems architecture, along with proficiency in programming languages and hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, is essential. Certifications and hands-on experience with designing and testing computer systems can also enhance career prospects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in computer architecture roles?

Professionals in computer architecture often encounter challenges such as balancing performance improvements with power efficiency and cost constraints. They must stay up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies and address compatibility issues when integrating new hardware or optimizing existing systems. Collaboration is crucial, as computer architects frequently work with software engineers, hardware designers, and verification teams to ensure cohesive system design and functionality. Managing tight project deadlines and complex system requirements can also be demanding, but these challenges foster continuous learning and innovation within the field.

What can you do with computer architecture?

A computer architecture professional designs, analyzes, and optimizes computer systems, including processors, memory, and input/output devices. They work on improving performance, efficiency, and scalability of hardware components, often using tools like simulation software and hardware description languages. This role requires knowledge of digital logic, system design, and programming skills, and may involve collaboration with software developers and hardware engineers.

Is computer architecture in demand?

Computer architecture is a specialized field within computer engineering and is in steady demand due to the ongoing need for designing efficient processors, embedded systems, and hardware components. Professionals with skills in digital design, VHDL/Verilog, and knowledge of emerging technologies like quantum computing are sought after in industries such as technology, manufacturing, and research institutions.

What cities in California are hiring for Computer Architecture jobs?

Cities in California with the most Computer Architecture job openings:

Infographic showing various Computer Architecture job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $172,708 per year, or $83 per hour.

System Architect, Hardware Architecture

Amazon

Sunnyvale, CA

$285K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The Amazon Devices team designs high-profile consumer electronics, including the best-selling Amazon Echo, FireTV, Fire Tablets, Kindle, and Astro family of products. We are looking for a motivated individual contributor with a solid hardware or silicon background, great communication skills, and the passion to collaborate with a cross-functional team to drive system architecture across Amazon devices.
Key job responsibilities
As a System Architect, you will be responsible for defining the system architecture for consumer products such as Echo, FireTV and a range of new concepts not yet announced. You will serve as the lead technical point of contact that the product management and business teams rely on to interpret and clarify the product concept's desired user experience and requirements

You will define system architecture that can meet product requirements and work closely with the business team to understand and clarify requirements and user experience tradeoffs. In the process of architecture definition, you will drive key design decisions such as edge-cloud compute partition, device SoC selection, compute architecture (CPU, DSP, GPU and ML accelerators), and other system component selections (chipsets, memory, storage). You will document the decisions in a system architecture specification document that will provide relevant design guidance for the engineering team.
Besides directly defining product architectures, you will track market trends, interface directly with silicon and IP vendors, and define roadmaps for the whole organization on the next generation compute IP and silicon platforms

You will dive deep into silicon design, define specs for the next-gen silicon platforms and work with our silicon suppliers to implement them. You will work on concepts that may have an existing reference architecture as well as emerging product ideas that do not have any precedence. As the product is developed from the initial concept, prototype development, validation, to production you will stay engaged as the system technical lead to ensure the product requirements are being met.

Throughout this process you work closely with multi-disciplinary product team including Program Management, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, ML Science, Product Design, Industrial Design, Reliability, and Operations.
You are a hands-on engineer who is close to the details and validates your architecture assumptions through profiling and benchmarking. You have sufficient breadth across system domains to be able to independently lead a cross-functional group to drive architecture decisions. Besides breadth, you also typically bring depth in one or more areas of expertise to the architecture team, such as computer architecture, SoC architecture, silicon design, graphics and multimedia, embedded Linux, video encoders/decoders, applied machine learning, ML accelerators, audio, wireless, sensors, power management, system performance benchmarking, etc

As part of technology development, you contribute towards developing IP and filing patents.
A day in the life
- Gather business and functional product requirements from external/internal customers, and translate these requirements into technical specifications and architectures that are robust, scalable and supportable
- Perform architecture feasibility analysis, including profiling, benchmarking and prototyping new features (with the larger team) on available silicon platforms.
- Present architecture tradeoffs and recommendations to senior management (VP level)
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and document architecture specifications that serve as a reference for development teams
- Serve as a technical lead throughout the full development lifecycle, end-to-end, from scoping, planning, conception, design, implementation and testing, to delivery and maintenance
- Provide design and validation reviews for other engineers, including feedback on architecture and design issues, as well as integration, performance and scalability.
- Drive technology roadmaps in areas of expertise to foster innovation and meet the needs of the long-term product roadmap.
- Work closely with silicon and component suppliers and influence their roadmaps to meet Amazon Lab126 needs.
About the team
The system architecture team is responsible for architecting Amazon Lab126 products including Echo, Fire Tablets, FireTV, Kindle eReaders, Hearables, Wearables and IoT. The team also owns the chipset and IP technology roadmap and drives strategies that enable reuse and scale across Amazon devices. The team is comprised of architects with varied hardware and software backgrounds

We are always on the lookout for capable architects who can raise the bar and add technical expertise and depth to drive architectures for next-gen devices and emerging concepts.
Come be a part of the system architecture team in Lab126 Hardware Architecture and technology. Employees who have experience with consumer electronics devices and have been EEs, embedded software engineers, systems engineers, etc. and would like to contribute at the architecture level to the exciting Lab126 roadmap are encouraged to apply.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US