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Cpu Design Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Description As an ASIC Design Engineer, your responsibilities span various aspects of SOC design ... CPU & IP Integration, and power and clock management designs desirable. Ability to communicate ...

Description As an ASIC Design Engineer, your responsibilities span various aspects of SOC design ... CPU & IP Integration, and power and clock management designs desirable. Ability to communicate ...

As part of our Digital Design Engineering group, you'll take imaginative and revolutionary ideas ... with CPU, SOC and GPU teams on chip level integration requirements. - Drive Circuit QA checks ...

Showing results 41-60

Cpu Design Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$43K

$93.5K

$168.1K

How much do cpu design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for cpu design engineer in Portland, OR is $93,483.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a CPU design engineer do?

A CPU Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing central processing units (CPUs), which are the core components of computers and many electronic devices. They work on creating the architecture, microarchitecture, and logic circuits that enable CPUs to execute instructions efficiently. Their job involves using hardware description languages (HDLs), simulation tools, and verification methods to ensure that the processor meets performance, power, and functionality requirements. CPU Design Engineers collaborate closely with other hardware and software teams to bring advanced processor designs from concept to production.

What are some common challenges CPU design engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Cpu Design Engineers often work closely with software, verification, and hardware teams, which can present challenges such as aligning design specifications, managing communication across different technical disciplines, and coordinating project timelines. Effective collaboration requires a solid understanding of both hardware and software constraints, as well as the ability to clearly communicate complex ideas. Being proactive in seeking feedback and fostering a collaborative environment can help address these challenges and ensure the final CPU design meets performance, power, and area goals.

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

To thrive as a CPU Design Engineer, you need strong expertise in computer architecture, digital logic design, and proficiency in hardware description languages such as Verilog or VHDL, typically supported by a degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering. Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., ModelSim), EDA tools (e.g., Synopsys, Cadence), and industry-standard verification methodologies is essential. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure the successful design, validation, and optimization of complex CPUs, driving innovation and reliability in advanced computing systems.

What is the difference between Cpu Design Engineer vs Digital Logic Designer?

AspectCpu Design EngineerDigital Logic Designer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing CPU architectures and microprocessorsCreating digital logic circuits and components for various applications
Skills & CertificationsVLSI design, computer architecture, HDL (VHDL/Verilog)Digital circuit design, HDL, FPGA/ASIC design
Work EnvironmentSemiconductor companies, hardware design labsElectronics firms, research labs, FPGA/ASIC development
Industry UsageHigh-performance computing, consumer electronicsEmbedded systems, digital hardware development

While both roles involve digital design and HDL skills, Cpu Design Engineers focus specifically on CPU architectures and microprocessor development, whereas Digital Logic Designers work on a broader range of digital circuits and logic components across various electronic systems.

What are popular job titles related to Cpu Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Cpu Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cpu Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Cpu Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Cpu Design Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,483 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Principal CPU Architect - High-Performance and Physical Design

Nvidia

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$181K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 246 rated software companies


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.

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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

Year founded

1993