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Cpu Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

CPU Verification Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

Collaborate closely with CPU architect and RTL designers to verify complex architectural and microarchitectural features. * Document verification strategies and lead technical reviews with design and ...

CPU Verification Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

Collaborate closely with CPU architect and RTL designers to verify complex architectural and microarchitectural features. * Document verification strategies and lead technical reviews with design and ...

CPU Digital Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

M icro-architecture and design of RISC based CPU. * E xplore latest technologies in processor for 5G application. Minimum Qualifications: * M aster Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science ...

CPU Digital Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$159K/yr

This position will work with multi-nation teams in leading-edge process node and be involved in: - Perform CPU development and design integration for CPU subsystem. - Micro-architecture and design of ...

Showing results 41-60

Cpu Architect information

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$156.5K

$168K

How much do cpu architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 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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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.

CPU Performance Architect, Platform Architecture

Austin, TX • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$216K - $324K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The CPU Platform Architecture team is responsible for pushing the boundaries of both single-threaded and multi-threaded CPU performance, to enhance the user experience of many Apple products. The team is composed of experts with deep experience in microarchitecture, ISA definition, performance modeling, power modeling, and workload analysis. We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and confident individual to join the CPU Platform Architecture team to help drive advanced exploration for next-generation iPhone, iPad, Mac, and server CPU designs.
Description
As a CPU Performance Architect with a focus on the memory subsystem, you will be part of a team that is defining and optimizing CPU and cache micro-architecture. Working collaboratively, you will seek out areas of the design for improvement by identifying performance bottlenecks and evaluate ideas to address them. You will engage with experienced CPU and SoC designers in micro-architecture and RTL to assess the feasibility of ideas through modeling, refine ideas and model correlation, and seed new ideas. The role requires the analysis of single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads across existing and new product categories to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. We collaborate as a larger CPU architecture and performance team to maintain and improve the simulation environment to enable data-driven decisions and always look for ways to boost the productivity of the entire team.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of memory latency tolerance techniques or other aspects of CPU memory subsystem (i.e. prefetching, caching policies)
20+ years of relevant industry experience
MS or PhD in Electrical or Computer Engineering or Computer Science
Understanding of common data structures and algorithms
Familiarity with SIMD, vector, or accelerator architectures
Familiarity with MP performance
Comfortable in an environment of uncertainty and able to navigate through ambiguities
Experience in a research-driven environment
Minimum Qualifications
BS degree
Experience in CPU and SOC architecture and micro-architecture
Experience with performance simulation environments
Object-oriented programming experience in C/C++
Experience in a scripting language such as Perl or Python
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $216,200 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976