Principal CPU Architect - High-Performance and Physical Design

NVIDIA is hiring a Principal CPU Architect - High-Performance and Physical Design in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $272k-$431k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this role: aI is not part of the work.
Level classifies it as a lead role.
Level lists 1,800+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

We are seeking a senior CPU architect with deep experience designing high-performance, high-frequency server-class processors. This role focuses on the interaction between CPU architecture, power-performance optimization, and physical design.

The successful candidate will understand how microarchitectural and RTL decisions translate into frequency, power delivery, timing, thermal, area, and implementation constraints. The role spans CPU architecture, RTL, standard-cell and circuit-level tradeoffs, physical design, process technology, and advanced packaging.

What you'll be doing:

Bridge the gap between architecture, RTL implementation, and physical design.
Serve as subject matter expert on power delivery/regulators, power gating, di/dt, and thermal throttling.
Analyze power trade-offs for different die stacking and packaging proposals.
Propose and drive improvements related to high-frequency design and power methodology for our custom CPU cores.

What we need to see:

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
15 or more years of relevant experience.
Extensive background in CPU architecture and high-frequency server CPU design.
Solid understanding of power dissipation, delivery, and efficiency concepts.
Detailed understanding of process technologies and circuit design.
Knowledge of tradeoffs related to advanced packaging techniques.
Well versed in power management techniques that span the entire stack from SW, Architecture, RTL, VLSI, and process.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

PhD or research experience.
Advanced knowledge in the area of physical design.
Knowledge of GPU and SOC design.
Strong communication skills.

NVIDIA is a global leader in accelerated computing, delivering breakthroughs in AI, HPC, and advanced system design. Our technologies power transformative applications across industries — from robotics and autonomous vehicles to healthcare and climate research.

With the introduction of the Grace CPU Superchip, and more recently, the announcement of the Vera CPU, NVIDIA has expanded into the CPU server market, complementing our world-class GPUs and SoCs. These CPUs play a critical role in orchestrating complex workloads with exceptional performance-per-watt efficiency. The CPU architecture team is driving innovations that integrate seamlessly with NVIDIA’s broader technology stack, enabling faster AI model training, agentic use-cases, efficient data processing, and scalable cloud deployments.

#ArchitectYourFuture

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and other objective job-related factors. The expected base salary range for this position is 272,000 USD – 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until November 3, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

How we rate this

Principal CPU Architect - High-Performance and Physical Design at NVIDIA rates 4 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Principal CPU Architect - High-Performance and Physical Design is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $272k-$431k a year.
The role is based in US, CA, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on August 20, 2026.
Seniority: lead.
Applications are handled by NVIDIA. Apply on NVIDIA