Principal Engineer, GPU Performance Architect (PPA)

Position Summary

Samsung, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, is founded on a simple philosophy – the endless pursuit of excellence will create a better world for all. At Samsung Austin Research and Development Center (SARC) and Advanced Computing Lab (ACL), we are building a center of excellence for Intellectual Property (IP) that is applied to high-performance computing devices (mobile, automotive, and other custom market segments) consumed by millions of people around the world. Come build with us!

Role and Responsibilities

As a Principal GPU Performance Architect (PPA), you will drive the analysis, verification, and optimization of end-to-end system performance for Samsung’s premium mobile GPUs.

In this high-impact and highly visible technical leadership role, you will shape performance strategy and guide architectural decisions that define the efficiency and scalability of Samsung’s GPU designs. You bring deep expertise in GPU architecture, performance analysis and verification, waveform-level and RTL debugging, with a proven record of advancing performance and power efficiency across complex systems.

• You are a domain expert in multiple areas. You will lead the design and execution of advanced performance modeling and analysis for GPU pipelines—including shader-level analysis, pipeline optimization, system-level characterization, and architectural prototyping.
• You excel at driving end-to-end performance improvement. You build and refine models and tools using C/C++, Python, and cycle-approximate frameworks to analyze and validate key metrics (such as latency, throughput, and power consumption), develop benchmarks, identify bottlenecks, and propose data-driven optimizations.
• You ensure architectural excellence and correctness through prototyping, model-to-RTL correlation, and deep-dive validation—including simulation, waveform analysis using tools like Synopsys Verdi, functional debug, and performance verification against required specifications.
• You spearhead cross-functional collaboration with architecture, design, and software teams to propose, evaluate, and guide implementation of architectural improvement.
• You inspire high performance by mentoring engineers, fostering a culture of ownership and innovation, and staying ahead of emerging GPU technologies, tools, and performance methodologies.

Skills and Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Engineering, or 13+ years of experience with a Master’s Degree, or 11+ years of experience with a Ph.D.
• 15+ years of experience of broad GPU system-level architecture (not limited to a specific block), performance analysis, verification, and optimization.
• In-depth expertise in RTL (System Verilog/Verilog) .
• Strong experience with waveform level debugging tools (e.g., Synopsys Verdi) and RTL debugging.
• Strong programming skills in in C/C++ and Python.
• Proven experience with leading performance strategy, with a focus on performance modeling, analysis, verification, and optimization.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify bottlenecks, propose solutions and guide teams through implementation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and influence in a fast-paced, global team environment.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with prototyping GPU optimizations.
• Experience with GPU profiling tools (e.g., RenderDoc, PIX, AMD RGP, Nvidia Nsight) to analyze and optimize graphics performance, power consumption, and system-level interactions.
• Knowledge of OpenGL, Vulkan, DX11/12.
• Experience with mobile platforms.

Our Team

The GPU Architect team delivers whole system architecture-level design for Samsung’s current and next-generation mobile GPUs. Our work spans a wide range of disciplines—from early-stage architectural exploration and research in graphics and machine learning, to shaping the GPU innovation roadmap, defining new features, building models, and delivering microarchitecture design and programming. Our Xclipse GPU is the first mobile GPU with ray tracing technology that enables console-level graphics for Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

Joining our team means collaborating with talented engineers from diverse technical backgrounds across a global organization. Here you’ll contribute to the roadmap for next-generation technologies, broaden your expertise, and solve impactful challenges in a supportive environment that values collaboration, continuous learning, and growth.

Total Rewards

At Samsung – SARC/ACL, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $279,200 and $364,800. Your actual base pay will depend on variables that may include your education skills, qualifications, experience, and work location.

Samsung employees have access to benefits including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), onsite lunch, employee purchase program, tuition assistance (after 6 months), paid time off, student loan program, wellness incentives, and many more. In addition, regular full-time employees (salaried or hourly) are eligible for MBO bonus compensation, based on company, division, and individual performance.

Additionally, this role might be eligible to participate in long term incentive plan and relocation.

This is an exempt position, which is not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

U.S. Export Control

This position requires the ability to access information subject to U.S. export control restrictions.  Applicants must have the ability to access export-controlled information or be eligible to receive a government authorization to access export-controlled information.

Trade Secrets

By submitting an application, you [applicant] agree[s] not to disclose to Samsung, or induce Samsung to use, any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to any current or previous employer or other person or entity.

#SARC #ACL

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