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Cpu Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intel

CPU Performance Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$165K/yr

Join Intel as a CPU Performance Architect in Austin, TX and play a pivotal role in advancingcutting-edgesemiconductor technology.You will be at the forefront of designing and developing CPU logic ...

Intel Corporation

CPU Performance Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$165K/yr

Join Intel as a CPU Performance Architect in Austin, TX and play a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge semiconductor technology. You will be at the forefront of designing and developing CPU logic ...

Intel

CPU Performance Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$122K - $172K/yr

Develops and drives end-to-end CPU architecture specifications for highly optimized, modular, and scalable CPU based on hardware features, requirements, and interoperability of hardware and software ...

Intel Corporation

CPU Performance Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$122K - $172K/yr

Develops and drives end-to-end CPU architecture specifications for highly optimized, modular, and scalable CPU based on hardware features, requirements, and interoperability of hardware and software ...

Nvidia

Senior CPU Performance Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$196K/yr

Come join the CPU performance architecture team and help us push performance boundaries for all our CPU products! What you'll be doing: * Work on workload bring-up and performance analysis/projection ...

Nvidia

Senior CPU Performance Architect

Austin, TX

$165K/yr

Come join the CPU performance architecture team and help us push performance boundaries for all our CPU products. What you'll be doing: Work on workload bring-up and performance analysis/projection ...

Nvidia

Senior CPU Performance Architect

Austin, TX

$165K/yr

Come join the CPU performance architecture team and help us push performance boundaries for all our CPU products! What you'll be doing: * Work on workload bring-up and performance analysis/projection ...

Nvidia

Senior CPU Performance Architect

Hillsboro, OR

$181K/yr

Come join the CPU performance architecture team and help us push performance boundaries for all our CPU products. What you'll be doing: Work on workload bring-up and performance analysis/projection ...

Nvidia

Senior CPU Performance Architect

Hillsboro, OR

$181K/yr

Come join the CPU performance architecture team and help us push performance boundaries for all our CPU products! What you'll be doing: * Work on workload bring-up and performance analysis/projection ...

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Cpu Architect information

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$156.5K

$168K

How much do cpu architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for cpu architect in the United States is $167,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CPU architect?

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 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 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.

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Cpu Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cpu Architect job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,842 per year, or $80.7 per hour.

Principal CPU Architect - High-Performance and Physical Design

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Nvidia
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Nvidiaexternal

$181K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Bridge the gap between architecture, RTL implementation, and physical design.

  • Serve as subject matter expert on power delivery, power gating, di/dt, and thermal throttling.

  • Analyze power trade-offs for different die stacking and packaging proposals.

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are seeking a senior CPU architect with deep experience designing high-performance, high-frequency server-class processors. This role focuses on the interaction between CPU architecture, power-performance optimization, and physical design.

The successful candidate will understand how microarchitectural and RTL decisions translate into frequency, power delivery, timing, thermal, area, and implementation constraints. The role spans CPU architecture, RTL, standard-cell and circuit-level tradeoffs, physical design, process technology, and advanced packaging.

What you'll be doing:

  • Bridge the gap between architecture, RTL implementation, and physical design.

  • Serve as subject matter expert on power delivery/regulators, power gating, di/dt, and thermal throttling.

  • Analyze power trade-offs for different die stacking and packaging proposals.

  • Propose and drive improvements related to high-frequency design and power methodology for our custom CPU cores.

What we need to see:

  • BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.

  • 15 or more years of relevant experience.

  • Extensive background in CPU architecture and high-frequency server CPU design.

  • Solid understanding of power dissipation, delivery, and efficiency concepts.

  • Detailed understanding of process technologies and circuit design.

  • Knowledge of tradeoffs related to advanced packaging techniques.

  • Well versed in power management techniques that span the entire stack from SW, Architecture, RTL, VLSI, and process.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • PhD or research experience.

  • Advanced knowledge in the area of physical design.

  • Knowledge of GPU and SOC design.

  • Strong communication skills.

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 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 24, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive 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

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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

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