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Memory Controller Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview As the Principal Memory Controller Architect, you will be part of the team creating the next generation Custom Memory Controller, supporting the latest and upcoming DDR technologies to ...

Architect the memory hierarchy : including multi-level cache controllers, scratchpad memory managers, coherency protocol engines (where applicable), prefetch engines, and bandwidth partitioning/QoS ...

Deep understanding of memory subsystems - caches and coherence protocols, DDR and memory controller architecture, on-chip interconnects, address translation * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

Deep understanding of memory subsystems - caches and coherence protocols, DDR and memory controller architecture, on-chip interconnects, address translation * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

... DDR and memory controller architecture, on-chip interconnects, address translation Strong communication and interpersonal skills along with the ability to work in a dynamic, product oriented ...

... DDR and memory controller architecture, on-chip interconnects, address translation Strong communication and interpersonal skills along with the ability to work in a dynamic, product oriented ...

Deep understanding of memory subsystems - caches and coherence protocols, DDR and memory controller architecture, on-chip interconnects, address translation * Strong communication and interpersonal ...

... DDR and memory controller architecture, on-chip interconnects, address translation Strong communication and interpersonal skills along with the ability to work in a dynamic, product oriented ...

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Memory Controller Architect information

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How much do memory controller architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for memory controller architect in the United States is $70.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68.75 and $72.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a memory controller architect?

A Memory Controller Architect is a specialized hardware engineer responsible for designing and optimizing the architecture of memory controllers within computer systems or embedded devices. They ensure efficient communication between processors and memory, balancing speed, power consumption, and reliability. Their work involves defining specifications, evaluating new technologies, and collaborating with other hardware and software teams to improve system performance. Memory Controller Architects play a crucial role in the development of CPUs, GPUs, and SoCs, especially for applications requiring high bandwidth and low latency.

What are some typical challenges faced by memory controller architects when designing for new hardware platforms?

Memory Controller Architects often encounter challenges such as balancing performance with power efficiency, ensuring compatibility with evolving memory standards, and optimizing latency for specific workloads. Additionally, they must work closely with cross-functional teams, such as hardware design, firmware, and validation, to ensure seamless integration and timely delivery. Keeping up with rapid technological advancements in memory technology and addressing unique platform constraints are also common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a memory controller architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Memory Controller Architect, you need a deep understanding of computer architecture, DRAM/NAND technologies, and memory subsystem design, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Proficiency with hardware description languages (such as Verilog or VHDL), simulation tools, and memory modeling frameworks is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help individuals excel in this multidisciplinary role. These skills ensure the design of efficient, reliable memory controllers that meet performance, power, and scalability requirements in modern computing systems.

What is the difference between Memory Controller Architect vs Memory Design Engineer?

AspectMemory Controller ArchitectMemory Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering; experience in hardware architectureBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering; focus on circuit design
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, hardware development labs, system architecture planningDesign labs, circuit simulation, chip fabrication facilities
Industry UsageSemiconductor companies, hardware manufacturers, system integratorsSemiconductor companies, hardware manufacturers, integrated circuit design firms
Common Search/ComparisonMemory Controller ArchitectMemory Design Engineer

The Memory Controller Architect focuses on designing the overall architecture of memory controllers, ensuring compatibility and performance within systems. In contrast, the Memory Design Engineer concentrates on creating the detailed circuitry of memory modules. Both roles require strong electrical engineering backgrounds and often collaborate during product development, but their focus areas differ from system architecture to circuit design.

What are popular job titles related to Memory Controller Architect jobs?

For Memory Controller Architect jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Memory Controller Architect job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,499 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Principal Hardware Architect

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Microsoft
Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
As the Principal Memory Controller Architect, you will be part of the team creating the next generation Custom Memory Controller, supporting the latest and upcoming DDR technologies to improve performance of Cobalt CPUs. You will collaborate closely with product, platform architecture, peer HW, SW, performance architects and execution teams, etc., to ensure our SOCs and IPs enable high performance, efficiency, reliability, and industry-leading systems. This team engages in multiple projects within Microsoft, developing custom silicon for a variety of systems. We are committed to delivering advanced, custom SoC designs capable of performing complex and high-performance functions in the most efficient way possible
Microsoft Silicon, Cloud Hardware, and Infrastructure Engineering (SCHIE) is the team behind Microsoft's expanding Cloud Infrastructure and responsible for powering Microsoft's "Intelligent Cloud" mission. SCHIE delivers the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's over 200 online businesses including Bing, MSN, Office 365, Xbox Live, Teams, OneDrive, and the Microsoft Azure platform globally with our server and data center infrastructure, security and compliance, operations, globalization, and manageability solutions. Our focus is on smart growth, high efficiency, and delivering a trusted experience to customers and partners worldwide and we are looking for engineers to help achieve that mission.
The Compute Silicon & Manufacturing Engineering (CSME) organization within SCHIE is responsible for design, development, manufacturing and packaging of Microsoft's state-of-the-art computer chips, notably the Azure Cobalt. Our solutions provide sustainable strategic advantages to Microsoft and enable our customers to achieve more.
As Microsoft's cloud business continues to grow the ability to deploy new offerings and hardware infrastructure on time, in high volume with high quality and lowest cost is of paramount importance. To achieve this goal, the CSME team is instrumental in defining and delivering operational measures of success for hardware manufacturing, improving the planning process, quality, delivery, scale and sustainability related to Microsoft cloud hardware. We are looking for engineers with a dedicated passion for customer focused solutions, insight and industry knowledge to envision and implement future technical solutions that will manage and optimize the Cloud infrastructure.
We are looking for a Principal Hardware Architect to join our team!
Responsibilities
  • Architecting and development of memory controllers
  • Reviewing Memory technology roadmaps including, but not limited to: DDR5, DDR6, LPDDR, HBM, Type 3 CXL-based Memory, RDIMM, MRDIMM, LP-MRDIMM, and emerging memory technologies
  • Working closely with memory controller micro-architects, verification and validation to drive features into production
  • Working with Vendors evaluate IP and make recommendations
  • Work with Performance Modeling team to develop cycle approximate model of the controller and also analyze SOC/platform Azure workload results
  • Working closely with Strategic Planning and Architecture as well as internal customers to understand workload and use case requirements with specific focus on identifying full stack optimization opportunities within the context of the overall memory hierarchy
  • Collaborating across teams to come up with the best solution possible with a One Microsoft mindset.
  • Challenging the status quo with a growth mindset to push the envelope and enable world-class SOC products across Microsoft.

Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
  • Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements
  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
  • This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their US. residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate's citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Delivered Architecture, Design or Verification specs for multiple generations of Memory Controllers
  • Familiar with DDR, HBM or LPDDR JEDEC specs
  • Experience in SoC memory hierarchy/architecture, and knowledge of emerging memory technologies.

Silicon Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

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Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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