Senior/Staff CPU Microarchitecture and RTL Design Engineer

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm is a pioneer in technological innovation, driving progress in communications and data processing to enable smarter, connected experiences. At Qualcomm, engineers contribute to defining, modeling, designing, optimizing, verifying, validating, implementing, and documenting IP for high-quality, low-power, cutting-edge products in digital and analog domains. Collaboration with multifunctional teams shapes product development strategies.

Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled CPU Microarchitecture and RTL Design Engineer focused on high-performance, energy-efficient devices. The role involves working closely with chip architects on microarchitecture conceptualization and contributing to product and architectural definition during initial product lifecycle phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and explore advanced performance techniques alongside the CPU modeling team.
• Develop microarchitectural designs and detailed specifications starting from high-level concepts and research findings.
• Lead the development, evaluation, and enhancement of RTL designs targeting optimal power, performance, area, and timing metrics.
• Support the functional verification team to ensure comprehensive validation of designs.
• Assist in verifying performance criteria are met by RTL implementations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to meet timing, area, reliability, testability, and power requirements through coordinated design delivery.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Deep understanding of microprocessor architecture, including instruction fetch/decode, branch prediction, instruction scheduling, register renaming, out-of-order execution, integer and floating-point units, load/store units, prefetching, cache, and memory systems.
• Proficiency with HDLs such as Verilog and/or VHDL, alongside experience with simulation environments and waveform debugging.
• Strong foundation in logic design principles considering timing and power implications.
• Knowledge of low-power microarchitecture techniques and high-performance trade-offs.
• Experience scripting with languages like Perl or Python.

Location

This position is based in Cork, Ireland, a growing economic and cultural hub with diverse opportunities and excellent quality of life. Cork offers easy access to numerous international destinations through its airport.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Qualcomm is committed to equal opportunity employment, welcoming candidates without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with stock options and performance-related bonuses.
• Parental leave offerings.
• Employee stock purchase plans.
• Matching pension contributions.
• Educational assistance programs.
• Relocation and immigration support if applicable.
• Comprehensive insurance including life, medical, income, and travel coverage.
• Subsidies for physical and mental wellness memberships.
• Bicycle purchase assistance program.
• Employee clubs catering to diverse interests such as running, football, chess, badminton, and more.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field plus at least 4 years practical ASIC design or associated experience.
• OR Master's degree with minimum 3 years relevant ASIC design, verification, validation, or integration experience.
• OR PhD with at least 2 years of ASIC-related work experience.
• Applicants with equivalent qualifications and demonstrable capabilities to perform the role are also encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

Qualcomm ensures accessibility in recruitment and workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The company expects compliance with internal policies on security and confidentiality. Recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit candidates directly. For more details, contact Qualcomm Careers.