Embedded CPU Engineer, Platform Architecture

Embedded CPU Engineer, Platform ArchitectureWe are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Embedded CPU Engineer to join the Platform Architecture team. In this role, you will drive performance and efficiency optimization and architectural feature exploration for Apple's embedded CPUs that power critical functions across Apple's product line.As an Embedded CPU Engineer, you will help define CPUs that are specifically designed for running embedded applications across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple products. Your focus will be on understanding the unique constraints and opportunities of varied embedded use cases and translating those insights into improvements for both the software stack as well as the hardware including the CPU and its surrounding subsystem.You will be responsible for deep-dive performance analysis of embedded workloads, identifying bottlenecks in existing microarchitectures, and proposing optimization strategies that balance performance, power efficiency, and area. Working closely with algorithm teams, software engineers, and CPU designers, you will explore ISA extensions, microarchitecture enhancements, and system-level optimizations tailored to embedded use cases. This role requires some background in software profiling, performance modeling, and simulation environments.You will use and develop analysis tools and infrastructure to enable data-driven architectural decisions, create and analyze both real workloads and benchmarks representative of embedded workloads, and iterate with design teams to ensure ideas are implementable within power, timing, and area constraints.ResponsibilitiesAnalyze performance characteristics of embedded workloads including real-time processing, audio DSP, always-on scenarios, and embedded ML inferenceCollaborate with system architecture and software teams to understand use case requirements that could be unique for each environmentTranslate findings into actionable improvements to our designs and softwareWork with CPU design team to implement proposed improvements while balancing tradeoffs for power, timing and areaProvide feedback into and help develop performance models, simulators, and analysis tools used to support architectural explorationMinimum QualificationsBS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or similarCPU architecture or microarchitecture experienceExperience with performance simulation environments, and performance analysis or optimization of workloadsExperience with one or more of the following ISAs: ARM, RISC-V, x86Experience in C, C++, or similar programming languagesExperience with scripting languages such as Python or Perl for analysis and automationPreferred QualificationsMS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science10+ years of industry experience in CPU architecture or performance analysisExpertise in CPU microarchitecture in one or more of the following areas: branch prediction, prefetching, pipeline optimization, datapath, memory hierarchyExperience in one or more of the following areas: embedded ML workloads and inference engines, SIMD/vector architectures for signal processing or ML, or compiler infrastructure and toolchain development for embedded workloadsExperience with real-time operating systems and embedded software constraintsUnderstanding of: power-performance trade-offs in CPU designs, system-level power management, and low-power design techniquesStrong communication and collaboration skills across hardware and software teamsExperience taking architectural ideas from concept through implementationApple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You'll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple's workplace Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.