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Principal Performance Architect Microsoft Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Overview Microsoft Silicon, Cloud Hardware, and Infrastructure Engineering (SCHIE) is the team ... We are looking for a Senior Performance Architect to join the team. Responsibilities * Develop ...

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 ...

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 Microsoft information

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$80.5K

$171.4K

$231K

How much do principal performance architect microsoft jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal performance architect microsoft 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 is the difference between Principal Performance Architect Microsoft vs Performance Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Performance Architect MicrosoftPerformance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and certifications in performance analysis, cloud architecture, or related fieldsOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or related fields, with certifications like ISTQB or performance testing certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic roles within large organizations, focusing on system architecture and performance optimization at enterprise levelHands-on testing and analysis, often in development or QA teams, focusing on performance testing and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in large tech companies like Microsoft, consulting firms, and enterprise IT departmentsUsed across software development, QA, and testing teams in various industries

The Principal Performance Architect Microsoft focuses on high-level system performance strategy and architecture, often in large enterprise environments, while Performance Engineers are more involved in hands-on testing and performance analysis during development. Both roles require strong technical skills but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft, and how can they be addressed?

A Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft often encounters complex challenges such as optimizing large-scale systems for speed and scalability, ensuring compatibility across diverse platforms, and balancing performance improvements with security and reliability. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams—including developers, product managers, and operations—are essential to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions. Staying current with the latest performance engineering tools and methodologies, as well as fostering a culture of continuous improvement, can help address these challenges and drive impactful results.

What is a Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft?

A Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft is a senior-level technical expert responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing the performance of software and systems across various Microsoft products. They collaborate closely with engineering teams to identify bottlenecks, develop performance benchmarks, and ensure systems are scalable, reliable, and efficient. Their role often includes setting best practices, driving performance initiatives, and mentoring other engineers. Principal Performance Architects play a critical role in maintaining Microsoft's high standards for system performance and user experience.

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

To thrive as a Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft, you need deep expertise in software architecture, system performance analysis, and a strong background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with performance profiling tools, cloud platforms like Azure, and advanced knowledge of programming languages such as C# or C++ are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, cross-team collaboration, and communication skills help you influence technical direction and drive improvements across large-scale systems. These skills are crucial for optimizing complex architectures, ensuring scalability, and delivering high-performing solutions that meet organizational goals.
More about Principal Performance Architect Microsoft jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Performance Architect Microsoft jobs? Cities with the most Principal Performance Architect Microsoft job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Performance Architect Microsoft jobs? The most popular types of Principal Performance Architect Microsoft jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Performance Architect Microsoft jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Performance Architect Microsoft jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Performance Architect Microsoft job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,382 per year, or $82.4 per hour.
Principal Performance Architect

Principal Performance Architect

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

$175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 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

24th 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.