At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Kirin CPU Team to innovate next-gen processor cores for Huawei's flagship platforms.
- Company: Huawei R&D UK, a leader in cutting-edge technology and innovation.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, private medical insurance, pension scheme, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mobile workloads and drive innovation in CPU microarchitecture.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in relevant fields with hands-on CPU microarchitecture experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
We are seeking a Principal CPU Microarchitect to join the Kirin CPU Team at Huawei R&D UK (Cambridge), working on next-generation out-of-order processor cores powering Huawei's flagship mobile and compute platforms. You will define and evaluate microarchitectural features across the front-end, execution engine, and memory subsystem through cycle-accurate modelling and rigorous workload analysis, with a focus on workload-driven innovation for demanding mobile workloads. This is a pure microarchitecture and architecture modelling role, working closely with compiler, runtime, and downstream design teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and specify microarchitectural features across pipeline stages — fetch/decode, OoO execution, LSU, prefetchers, branch prediction, and cache hierarchy.
- Build and maintain cycle-accurate performance models (gem5 or equivalent) to evaluate new features against SPEC CPU 2017 and representative mobile workloads.
- Drive workload analysis combining cycle-accurate gem5 modelling with simpleperf, hardware counters, and trace-based methods to identify bottlenecks and quantify uplift opportunities.
- Co-design ISA extensions with compiler and runtime teams, including ISA extensions, prefetch hints, and semantic acceleration primitives.
- Author detailed microarchitecture specifications and partner with design teams on implementation trade-offs.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical direction across multiple parallel tracks (prefetch, semantic acceleration, AI4CPU).
Required
- MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
- Hands‑on CPU microarchitecture experience on out-of-order cores.
- Deep working knowledge of at least one major area: branch prediction, prefetching, OoO execution, memory subsystem, or cache coherence.
- Proven experience with cycle-accurate simulators (gem5 or proprietary equivalents).
- Strong workload analysis skills — performance counter methodology, top‑down analysis, trace inspection.
- Proficient in C++ and Python for modelling, analysis tooling, and automation.
- Familiarity with ARMv8/v9, Intel x86_64 or RISC-V ISA at the microarchitectural level.
Desired
- PhD in computer architecture with publications at ISCA, MICRO, HPCA, or ASPLOS.
- Experience with dynamic language runtimes (V8, SpiderMonkey, ArkCompiler) and JIT/AOT code generation.
- Exposure to AI/ML inference workloads on CPU and CPU‑NPU co‑design.
- Track record of features that shipped in production silicon.
- Familiarity with LLM‑driven design exploration or agentic optimisation flows.
What We Offer
- 33 days annual leave entitlement per year (including UK public holidays).
- Group Personal Pension.
- Life insurance.
- Private medical insurance.
- Medical expense claim scheme.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Company sports club and social events.
- Additional time off for learning and development.
Principal CPU Microarchitect in Cambridge employer: Huawei Technologies Research & Development (UK) Ltd
At Huawei R&D UK in Cambridge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Principal CPU Microarchitect, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge technology but also benefit from extensive employee growth opportunities, including mentorship and professional development. With generous annual leave, comprehensive health benefits, and a supportive environment for learning, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Detail:
Huawei Technologies Research & Development (UK) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal CPU Microarchitect in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Huawei or similar companies. Attend tech meetups or conferences where you can chat with potential colleagues and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially any cycle-accurate models or workload analyses you've done. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on key concepts like OoO execution and cache hierarchy. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as communication is key when working with design teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal CPU Microarchitect in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on CPU microarchitecture experience and any relevant projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise in areas like branch prediction or cache hierarchy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about CPU microarchitecture and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our Kirin CPU Team. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in C++ and Python, as well as your experience with cycle-accurate simulators like gem5. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so highlight any relevant tools or methodologies you’ve used in your previous work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Huawei Technologies Research & Development (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your Microarchitecture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CPU microarchitecture, especially out-of-order execution and cache hierarchies. Be ready to discuss specific features you've worked on and how they relate to the role at Huawei.
✨Showcase Your Modelling Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with cycle-accurate simulators like gem5. Have examples ready that demonstrate how you've built performance models and what insights you gained from them, particularly in relation to mobile workloads.
✨Demonstrate Workload Analysis Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your approach to workload analysis. Highlight any methodologies you've used, such as performance counter methodology or top-down analysis, and how these have helped identify bottlenecks in previous projects.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Research Huawei's Kirin CPU Team and their recent projects. Show enthusiasm for their work and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals, especially in areas like ISA extensions and AI/ML inference workloads.
