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Cpu Architect Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Come join the CPU performance architecture team as a Senior System Simulation Architect and help us push performance boundaries for NVIDIA's line of CPU products! What you'll be doing: * Develop full ...

We are now looking for a CPU System Software Architect! Do you want to be a part of the Artificial Intelligence Revolution? Would you like to work with world-class systems architects and deep ...

Senior GPU Architect

Durham, NC

$125K - $170K/yr

MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or equivalent experience. * 8+ years of relevant industry experience in GPU or CPU architecture (or other equivalent experience)

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.

What we want to see: * 10+ yrs of experience in CPU/GPU architecture, memory systems design with a focus on energy efficiency in the system. * Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science ...

Electronic Warfare Systems Architect

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$217K/yr

System Architecture & Technical Leadership - Define end-to-end radar and EW system architectures ... CPU, embedded systems). - Define digital signal processing requirements and data flows across ...

Electronic Warfare Systems Architect

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$217K/yr

System Architecture & Technical Leadership - Define end-to-end radar and EW system architectures ... CPU, embedded systems). - Define digital signal processing requirements and data flows across ...

Senior Developer Technology Engineer - AI

Durham, NC · Hybrid

$52.75 - $69.50/hr

In-depth expertise with CPU and GPU architecture fundamentals. * Good communication and organization skills, with a logical approach to problem solving, and prioritization skills. Ways to stand out ...

Rendering Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$136K - $168K/yr

Responsibilities : • Architect and own the rendering pipeline for real-time interactive ... and CPU rendering performance, identifying bottlenecks and driving solutions that maintain high ...

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Cpu Architect information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$152.1K

$163.3K

How much do cpu architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for cpu architect in Raleigh, NC is $163,147.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $162,300.00 and $162,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cpu Architect vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectCpu ArchitectHardware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like IEEE or industry-specific trainingBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused, R&D labs, collaborative teams, often involved in architecture and system-level decisionsDevelopment and testing labs, manufacturing environments, hands-on hardware design and testing
Employer & Industry UsageSemiconductor companies, tech firms, R&D departmentsElectronics manufacturers, tech companies, hardware development firms

Cpu Architects focus on designing and developing CPU architectures, working on system-level specifications and performance optimization. Hardware Engineers handle the physical design, testing, and implementation of hardware components. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, Cpu Architects are more involved in high-level design, whereas Hardware Engineers focus on physical hardware development and testing.

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

To thrive as a CPU Architect, you need a strong background in computer engineering, digital logic design, and microarchitecture, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in processor design. Familiarity with hardware description languages (HDL) like Verilog or VHDL, simulation tools, and industry-standard protocols is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and innovate within multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the development of high-performance, reliable processors that meet complex technical requirements and drive technological advancement.

What does a CPU architect do?

A CPU architect is responsible for designing and developing the core components and structure of central processing units (CPUs) used in computers and other electronic devices. Their work involves defining the architecture, instruction sets, and performance features of processors to meet the needs of various applications. CPU architects collaborate with hardware engineers, software developers, and product teams to ensure the processor delivers optimal performance, energy efficiency, and compatibility. They also play a key role in addressing emerging technology trends and advancing processor capabilities.

What are some typical challenges faced by CPU Architects when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

CPU Architects often work closely with hardware designers, software engineers, and verification teams. A common challenge is ensuring that the CPU design balances performance, power consumption, and area constraints while also aligning with the broader product roadmap. Effective communication is essential to translate complex architectural concepts into actionable requirements for other teams. Additionally, CPU Architects must frequently adapt to changing technology trends and customer needs, which requires flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
What are popular job titles related to Cpu Architect jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Cpu Architect jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cpu Architect jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Cpu Architect jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Cpu Architect job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,147 per year, or $78.4 per hour.
Senior System Simulation Architect

Senior System Simulation Architect

Nvidia

Durham, NC

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Do you want to help drive the development of CPU architectures to fuel the explosive growth in artificial intelligence (AI) / deep learning (DL), high-performance computing (HPC), gaming, virtual reality, and autonomous vehicles? Come join the CPU performance architecture team as a Senior System Simulation Architect and help us push performance boundaries for NVIDIA's line of CPU products!

What you'll be doing:

  • Develop full-system functional models capable of running complex multi-threaded heterogeneous (CPU/GPU) workloads - with special focus on the CPU subsystem.

  • Integrate functional models from various frameworks with RTL simulators and emulators, hardware (HW-in-the-loop), and detailed performance models.

  • Bring up system and application software in simulation and emulation - including firmware, Linux, drivers, benchmarks, and CPU/GPU workloads such as deep-learning (DL) and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads.

  • Port/extend/develop system software (firmware, OS, and drivers) to meet workload simulation needs.

  • Support CPU architects and performance engineers in their use of functional models, performance models, and emulation to drive next-generation CPU architectures.

What we need to see:

  • BS/MS in EE, CE, or CS or equivalent experience

  • 6 or more years of relevant experience

  • Excellent C/C++/Python programming skills

  • Experience in development of functional simulators and/or low-level software (OS, firmware, drivers); preferably both

  • Excellent debugging skills - of both system software/firmware and application software

  • Experience with the ARM ISA

  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience working with hardware emulators and/or FPGAs

  • Background in CPU workload analysis (SimPoint, etc.)

  • Experience with Linux kernel bringup and debug

  • Familiarity with CUDA

  • Experience with CPU/GPU application development and optimization in Pytorch, TensorFlow, and similar frameworks

NVIDIA is a global leader in accelerated computing, delivering breakthroughs in AI, HPC, and advanced system design. Our technologies power transformative applications across industries - from robotics and autonomous vehicles to healthcare and climate research.With the introduction of theGrace CPU Superchip, and more recently, the announcement of the Vera CPU, NVIDIA has expanded into the CPU server market, complementing our world-class GPUs and SoCs. These CPUs play a critical role in orchestrating complex workloads with exceptional performance-per-watt efficiency. The CPU architecture team is driving innovations that integrate seamlessly with NVIDIA's broader technology stack, enabling faster AI model training, agentic use-cases, efficient data processing, and scalable cloud deployments.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 11, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993