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Principal Performance Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Proticom

Performance Architect (Remote)

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$160K/yr

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Performance Architect (Systems Performance Engineer OR Principal Performance Engineer) to join their team. The ideal candidate will possess a ...

Hp

Thermal and Performance Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$165K/yr

Typically10+ years of experience in similar roles such as Principal or Senior Thermal Performance Engineer * Extensive experience across the hardware development lifecycle, from early architecture ...

Nvidia

OR · On-site

We are looking for a Principal Performance and Manufacturing Architect who has built the models, defined the specs, and seen them validated through silicon. You have owned the connection between ...

Nvidia

We are looking for a Principal Performance and Manufacturing Architect who has built the models, defined the specs, and seen them validated through silicon. You have owned the connection between ...

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Principal Performance Architect information

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$80.5K

$171.4K

$231K

How much do principal performance architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal performance architect in the United States is $171,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,000.00 and $194,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Performance Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Performance Architect, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, performance engineering, and scalability, often backed by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with performance analysis tools (e.g., JMeter, Dynatrace), cloud platforms, and scripting languages, along with relevant certifications, is typically expected. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive best practices. These skills ensure that large-scale systems operate efficiently, meet business requirements, and deliver optimal user experiences.

What are the typical challenges Principal Performance Architects face when optimizing large-scale enterprise systems?

Principal Performance Architects often encounter challenges such as balancing system scalability with cost efficiency, identifying performance bottlenecks in complex architectures, and aligning optimization strategies with evolving business goals. They must work closely with cross-functional teams—including developers, infrastructure engineers, and product managers—to ensure that solutions are both technically robust and aligned with user needs. Navigating legacy systems and integrating new technologies can also present unique hurdles, requiring strong analytical skills and deep experience with performance testing tools.

What are Principal Performance Architects?

Principal Performance Architects are senior-level professionals responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing the performance of software systems or IT infrastructure. They work to ensure that applications and services run efficiently, reliably, and can scale effectively with increased usage. Their role often involves identifying bottlenecks, recommending improvements, and establishing best practices for performance across development teams. With extensive experience, they also mentor other engineers and collaborate with stakeholders to meet organizational performance goals.

What is the difference between Principal Performance Architect vs Performance Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Performance ArchitectPerformance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in performance architectureUsually requires a bachelor's or master's in computer science or related field, with relevant performance testing certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and overseeing performance strategies across large systems and enterprise environmentsConducts performance testing, analysis, and tuning on specific applications or components
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large tech firms, financial institutions, and enterprise software companiesUsed across various industries including IT, software development, and consulting firms

The Principal Performance Architect typically leads performance strategy and architecture at an enterprise level, requiring more experience and strategic oversight. Performance Engineers focus on testing and optimizing specific applications or systems. Both roles are essential but differ mainly in scope and seniority.

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Principal Performance Architect jobs near you
Principal Performance Architect

Principal Performance Architect

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

$175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING
At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences-from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you'll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world's most important challenges-striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.
THE ROLE:
As a Performance Architect in AMD's Embedded Business Unit, you will define and shape the next generation of x86 SoCs through deep pre-silicon performance modeling, architecture exploration, and competitive analysis.
THE PERSON:
You will work across architecture, design, firmware, and post-silicon teams to lead and influence decisions that directly determine product competitiveness and customer experience. This is a highly technical, forward-looking, and business-critical role.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead pre-silicon performance architecture, including workload-driven performance projections across CPU, GPU, NPU, memory, interconnect, and I/O subsystems.
  • Build and refine cycle-accurate, trace-based, and analytical performance models for emerging SoC architectures.
  • Drive competitive performance projections against products from Qualcomm, Apple, NVIDIA, Intel, MediaTek, and others.
  • Analyze micro-architecture trade-offs (NoC, caches, memory controllers, coherency fabrics) to optimize perf/power/area; write clear recommendations to architecture.
  • Own performance bottleneck analysis, microarchitectural what-if evaluations, and trade-off recommendations.
  • Define performance KPIs, PnP assumptions, and workload suites for early feasibility modeling.
  • Lead post-silicon performance correlation, root-cause gaps, and update pre-silicon models to improve fidelity.
  • Work closely with product management, architecture, and SoC design teams to influence product definition, PPA targets, and roadmap decisions.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Strong understanding of CPU/GPU microarchitecture, memory hierarchy, and SoC interconnects.
  • Hands-on experience with performance simulators (gem5, proprietary, trace-driven frameworks).
  • Deep experience with workloads-SPEC, industry vertical benchmarks, synthetic stressors.
  • Strong scripting skills (Python, C++, MATLAB).
  • Experience with ML, automotive, edge compute, industrial workloads.
  • Familiarity with firmware, compilers, DV, and RTL design concepts.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:
  • MS/PhD in EE/CE/CS with experience in performance architecture or modeling experience.

LOCATION:
Austin, TX or US Remote
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
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Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's "Responsible AI Policy" is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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