Job Information
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. Performance Architect in Austin, Texas
At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.
Performance Architect
Location
Austin, TX
Role Overview
We are seeking a Performance Architect to drive system‑level performance architecture for ARM‑based SoCs and chiplet platforms. In this role, you will define, analyze, and optimize performance across CPUs, interconnect, memory subsystems, and accelerators, working closely with system architects, IP teams, design, and software.
This is a senior technical role requiring deep expertise in ARM architectures, memory systems, and end‑to‑end performance modeling, with the ability to influence architecture decisions early and guide teams through implementation and validation.
Key Responsibilities
System & SoC Performance Architecture
Define performance requirements, KPIs, and budgets across CPU, interconnect, memory, and I/O subsystems.
Drive architectural trade‑offs involving latency, bandwidth, throughput, power, and area.
Evaluate and optimize performance for heterogeneous workloads (NPU/AI, ISP, VISION, I/O).
Interconnect & Chiplet Performance
Evaluate and optimize NoC / fabric architectures (latency, bandwidth, congestion, QoS).
Analyze performance impacts of chiplet partitioning, die‑to‑die interconnects (e.g., UCIe‑class links), and protocol overheads.
Identify bottlenecks across chiplet boundaries and propose architectural mitigations.
Performance Modeling & Analysis
Build and maintain system‑level performance models (transaction‑level, analytical, or cycle‑approximate).
Perform workload‑driven studies using synthetic traffic, benchmarks, and real software traces.
Correlate model results with RTL, emulation, or silicon data as designs mature.
Clearly communicate performance findings and recommendations to cross‑functional teams.
Cross‑Functional Leadership
Work closely with system architects, IP architects, design, verification, and software teams.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship on performance topics.
Influence architectural decisions through data‑driven analysis and clear technical communication.
Required Qualifications
Experience
10+ years of experience in SoC, system, or performance architecture (staff‑level expectations).
Proven experience working on ARM‑based systems in data center, automotive, mobile, or embedded domains.
Technical Expertise
Deep understanding of computer architecture:
Memory hierarchy and bandwidth/latency trade‑offs
Strong knowledge of ARM architecture and ecosystem:
ARMv8/ARMv9 CPUs
Performance monitoring (PMU/AMU)
System memory management concepts (SMMU, TLBs, page tables)
Solid understanding of interconnects and fabrics (NoC, coherency protocols, QoS).
Experience with performance modeling and analysis techniques
We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.
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Cadence plays a critical role in creating the technologies that modern life depends on. We are a global electronic design automation company, providing software, hardware, and intellectual property to design advanced semiconductor chips that enable our customers create revolutionary products and experiences.
Thanks to the outstanding caliber of the Cadence team and the empowering culture that we have cultivated for over 25 years, Cadence continues to be recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. Our shared passion for solving the world’s toughest technical challenges, our dedication to pushing the limits of the industry, and our drive to do meaningful work differentiates the people of Cadence.
Cadence is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other protected class.
Cadence is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other protected class.