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Cpu Micro Architecture Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a CPU Micro-architecture and RTL Design Engineer, you will work with chip architects to conceive of the micro-architecture, and also help with architecture/product definition through early ...

CPU Micro-architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$124K - $208K/yr

... Engineering, or 2+ years of experience with a Master's Degree, or a Ph.D. * Background in CPU ... Our Team The System IP & SoC Architecture team at SARC/ACL designs proprietary coherent ...

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Cpu Micro Architecture Engineer information

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How much do cpu micro architecture engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cpu micro architecture engineer in the United States is $53.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $62.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a CPU micro architecture engineer do?

A CPU Micro Architecture Engineer is responsible for designing and optimizing the internal structure of central processing units (CPUs) at a detailed level. They work on aspects such as pipelines, caches, branch predictors, and instruction execution units to improve CPU performance, power efficiency, and area utilization. Their work involves both hardware design and simulation, collaborating with other engineers to ensure the processor meets performance and functional requirements. This role is critical in advancing the capabilities of modern computing devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CPU micro architecture engineer?

To thrive as a CPU Micro Architecture Engineer, you need a strong background in computer engineering, digital logic design, and microprocessor architecture, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with hardware description languages (such as Verilog or VHDL), simulation tools, and performance analysis frameworks is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing efficient, high-performance processors that meet modern computing demands.

What are some common challenges faced by CPU micro architecture engineers during the design and verification process?

CPU Micro Architecture Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing performance, power consumption, and area constraints while designing complex processor components. Debugging and verifying intricate interactions within the microarchitecture, especially under tight project deadlines, can be demanding. Additionally, ensuring that designs are scalable for future technology nodes and compatible with software requirements requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including verification, software, and system architects.

What are popular job titles related to Cpu Micro Architecture Engineer jobs?

For Cpu Micro Architecture Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cpu Micro Architecture Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 72% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,552 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

CPU Performance Engineer, Platform Architecture

Austin, TX • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Do you have an uncommon desire to seek out and solve exceedingly difficult challenges rather than the easy ones? Do you believe that truly valuable and meaningful accomplishments are the result of pushing the limits of perseverance? Do you believe that a world-class team with relentless drive can surpass even their own high expectations? We do! But we also realize this job isn't for everyone. What we do isn't easy but you don't take the easy path. We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and confident individuals to join the CPU Architecture and Performance Team; we are a group that is driving advanced exploration for next generation iPhone, iPad, and Mac CPU architectures!
Description
As a CPU Performance Engineer with a focus on CPU micro-architecture, you will be part of a team that is pushing the boundaries of innovation in the area of branch prediction, code/data prefetchers, novel prediction schemes and CPU pipelines. With others you will seek out areas for improvement while collecting data and measurements that either confirm the idea or rule it out. You will collaborate with experienced CPU 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 specific 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 look for ways to boost the productivity of the entire team.
Minimum Qualifications
BS degree
Experience with CPU architecture and micro-architecture
Experience in performance and/or power simulation environments
Coding experience including object-oriented programming with C and C++
Experience in scripting languages such as Perl or Python
Preferred Qualifications
10+ years of relevant industry experience
MS or PhD in Electrical or Computer Engineering or Computer Science
Understanding of common data structures and algorithms
Knowledge in software design patterns
Familiarity with SIMD and vector architectures
Knowledge of OS internals and compiler technologies
Comfortable in an environment of uncertainty and able to walk through ambiguities
Communication, influence and negotiation skills

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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