At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Kirin CPU Team to innovate next-gen processor cores for mobile and compute platforms.
- Company: A leading global tech company with a strong focus on R&D and innovation.
- Benefits: World-class remuneration, relocation assistance, and visa sponsorship available.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration on cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in CPU microarchitecture and mentor the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in relevant fields with hands-on CPU microarchitecture experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Our client is one of the world's leading technology companies with over 200,000 employees and operating in 170 countries around the world. Their spirit of innovation has led our client to work in close partnership with leading academic institutions in the UK to develop and refine the latest technologies, having invested in dedicated R&D facilities and teams in Cambridge, London, Edinburgh, and Ipswich (which are part of a global R&D team of almost 100,000 people). We are looking for a Principal CPU Microarchitect to ideally be based in the Cambridge office and will offer a world-class remuneration package and our client can offer relocation assistance and visa sponsorship.
We are seeking a Principal CPU Microarchitect to join the Kirin CPU Team at our client's R&D facility in Cambridge, UK, working on next-generation out-of-order processor cores powering our client'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
Principal CPU Micro-Architect in Cambridge employer: MBR Partners
As a leading technology company with a global presence, our client offers an exceptional work environment in Cambridge, fostering innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a world-class remuneration package, relocation assistance, and visa sponsorship, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship within a dynamic R&D team. The culture prioritises cutting-edge research and development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing technology in a supportive and forward-thinking setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal CPU Micro-Architect in Cambridge
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal CPU Micro-Architect role you’re after at MBR Partners.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at MBR Partners a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at MBR Partners.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal CPU Micro-Architect at MBR Partners, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal CPU Micro-Architect in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal CPU Micro-Architect, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at MBR Partners a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to MBR Partners specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBR Partners
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with MBR Partners, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like MBR Partners want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
