CPU Architect

We are seeking an experienced CPU Architect with a strong focus on Vector architecture to join our team. The successful candidate will lead the architecture and performance validation of RISC-V CPUs, ensuring that designs meet and exceed specifications. This is a high-impact role that involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, including design, verification, and physical design, to guarantee optimal device performance from pre-silicon to post-silicon phases.The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with deep expertise in CPU architecture, advanced validation methodologies, and performance optimization strategies. They should be passionate about pushing the boundaries of CPU performance and well-versed in industry trends.

This role is Remote or in one of our offices, based out of The United States.

Responsibilities:

• Define and enhance methodologies for pre-silicon and post-silicon validation of high-complexity System-on-Chip (SoC) designs.
• Innovate techniques for performance validation, ensuring that products meet and exceed specification requirements.
• Work closely with architects, hardware engineers, and microcode (ucode) engineers to understand and implement new CPU features.
• Analyze SoC design features to assess their performance impact and identify optimization opportunities.
• Investigate key workloads, pinpoint bottlenecks, and prototype solutions to improve performance.
• Propose PPA optimizations for the current vector microarchitecture, including changes to load/store microarchitecture and instruction cracking
•  Write vector microbenchmarks to create power viruses and test vector performance on current and future CPU microarchitectures 
• Work with SW & compiler team on analyzing and optimizing vector compilation and performance on multiple important workloads
•  Participate in the RISCV International workgroups related to vector specifications as a representative of Tenstorrent to give feedback on new vector instructions
• Explore hardware and software co-optimization opportunities to drive system performance improvements.
• Design and maintain the silicon validation architecture roadmap for next-generation product introductions.
• Define validation requirements in collaboration with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance throughout the design lifecycle.
• Optimize silicon validation architectures for performance, power consumption, and area efficiency.
• Develop and maintain complex models and simulations of silicon devices using advanced tools.

Experience & Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in silicon performance validation or CPU architecture.
• Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong expertise in CPU performance analysis, silicon validation, and computer architecture, with at least 5 years focused on performance validation.
• Proficiency in pre-silicon performance models, RTL, emulation, and FPGA platforms (e.g., Zebu, HAPS).
• Hands-on experience with tools like Linux perf, ARM DS5, or custom validation tools.
• Skilled in writing and analyzing microbenchmarks using assembly and/or C/C++.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and SystemVerilog for scripting and validation purposes.
• Familiarity with Continuous Integration (CI) systems and task automation using Python.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Vector Point architecture is highly desirable.

Compensation for all engineers at Tenstorrent ranges from $100k - $500k including base and variable compensation targets. Experience, skills, education, background and location all impact the actual offer made.

Tenstorrent offers a highly competitive compensation package and benefits, and we are an equal opportunity employer.

Due to U.S. Export Control laws and regulations, Tenstorrent is required to ensure compliance with licensing regulations when transferring technology to nationals of certain countries that have been licensing conditions set  by the U.S. government.

Our engineering positions and certain engineering support positions require access to information, systems, or technologies that are subject to U.S. Export Control laws and regulations, please note that citizenship/permanent residency, asylee and refugee information and/or documentation will be required and considered as Tenstorrent moves through the employment process.

If a U.S. export license is required, employment will not begin until a license with acceptable conditions is granted by the U.S. government.  If a U.S. export license with acceptable conditions is not granted by the U.S. government, then the offer of employment will be rescinded.