Principal Engineer, AI System Architect (Hardware) at Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. – San Jose, California
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About This Position
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Advancing the Worlds Technology Together
Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, youll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of whats possible and powering the future.
We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. Were dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, were building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.
Job Title: Principal Engineer, AI System Architect (Hardware)
What Youll Do
The Architecture Research Lab (ARL) focuses on addressing fundamental system-level bottlenecks in modern AI, particularly in memory capacity/bandwidth and system-scale communication. By leveraging Samsungs world-class memory technologies, ARL explores and defines next-generation AI system architectures that deliver step-function improvements in performance, efficiency, and scalability.
We are seeking a Senior Staff AI System Architect who will play a key role in bridging AI workloads, system architecture, and hardware design. In this role, you will develop system-level performance models, drive architecture-level design decisions, and propose forward-looking AI system architectures that shape Samsungs long-term AI platform strategy.
Location: Daily onsite presence at our San Jose office in alignment with our Flexible Work policy
Job ID: 42852
- Conduct system-level architectural research for next-generation AI systems, spanning compute, memory, and interconnect/network subsystems.
- Develop and maintain analytical and simulation-based system modeling frameworks to evaluate AI workloads and identify performance, scalability, and efficiency bottlenecks at rack- and system-scale.
- Analyze representative and emerging AI workloads (e.g., LLMs, DLRMs, and future AI models) to derive architecture requirements and trade-offs across compute, memory, networking, and power.
- Drive architecture-level design decisions through quantitative modeling, design-space exploration, and performance/power projections.
- Perform comparative studies of alternative system architectures, reporting performance and performance-per-watt metrics to guide strategic technology choices.
- Lead the architecture team with strong technical direction, shaping systemarchitecture strategy and advancing key innovations
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in hardware architecture, memory, interconnect, and system engineering to align modeling insights with implementation realities.
- Communicate architectural insights and recommendations through clear technical presentations and documentation.
- Occasional domestic and international travel (<10%).
What You Bring
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with 15+ years of experience in system architecture for large-scale computing platforms, with a strong focus on AI workloads.
- Proven hands-on experience developing analytical and event-driven simulation models for system-level performance evaluation.
- Deep understanding of AI system hardware architectures, including compute, memory hierarchies, and high-performance interconnects.
- Strong knowledge of modern and emerging AI workloads, including LLMs, DLRMs, and large-scale training and inference systems.
- Demonstrated ability to translate workload characteristics and modeling results into actionable architectural design decisions.
- Proficiency in Python, C++, and PyTorch for modeling, analysis, and experimentation.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to influence technical direction across teams.
- A collaborative mindset, intellectual curiosity, and resilience in tackling complex, open-ended system-level challenges.
- Youre inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
- You approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
- Youre collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
- Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.
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What We Offer
The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.
This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.
Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
Enjoy Time Away Youll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.
Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the wayincluding a stipend for fertility care or adoption, medical travel support, and virtual vet care for your fur babies.
Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions, youll have support no matter where you are.
Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Caf and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. Thats why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.
Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.
When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy-related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.
Recruiting Agency Policy
We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.
Applicant AI Use Policy
At Samsung Semiconductor, we support innovation and technology. However, to ensure a fair and authentic assessment, we prohibit the use of generative AI tools to misrepresent a candidate's true skills and qualifications. Permitted uses are limited to basic preparation, grammar, and research, but all submitted content and interview responses must reflect the candidates genuine abilities and experience. Violation of this policy may result in immediate disqualification from the hiring process.
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https://semiconductor.samsung.com/about-us/careers/us/privacy/