CPU Software Architecture Principal Engineer

Originally posted 25 September 2026 by the employer.

This role focuses on CPU software architecture for Snapdragon's chipsets.

About the role

This role involves defining long-term software roadmaps and architecture specifications for CPU software within embedded SoC systems. You will contribute to the design and development of low-level firmware for CPU bootstrapping and power controllers.

What you'll do

• Design and develop firmware for boot, debug, idle, and active CPU power management.
• Define short and long-term SW architecture roadmaps in accordance with Arm's architecture ISA evolution.
• Coordinate debugging of critical SW issues related to high-performance CPU microarchitecture (prefetching, speculation, memory ordering).
• Represent CPU SW teams in engagements with Arm/RISC-V architects and third-party software partners.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering experience, OR Master's degree and 7+ years, OR PhD and 6+ years.
• 4+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python.
• Expertise in computer architecture, specifically in more than one of the following: Memory consistency, Coherency, Memory Management, Virtualization, Security/Sandboxing, Super Scalar Architectures.
• Good understanding of system-wide bottlenecks that may influence CPU performance/throughput.
• Exposure to ARM or RISC-V architectures.
• Embedded Platforms experience including low-level drivers and firmware, kernel, and user-space components.
• Experience designing and developing software for heterogeneous compute platforms consisting of ARM or RISC-V CPUs and specialized hardware accelerators in embedded SoC systems.
• Hands-on experience with J-TAG or ICE debuggers.
• Experience in real-time SW development for embedded products.
• Hands-on experience of driver development on any RTOS.
• Detailed understanding of some SoC hardware blocks: Clocks, PLLs, GPIO, Interrupt Controllers (GIC, PLIC), Peripherals (SPI/I2C/PCIE/CAN/Ethernet/USB/UFS).

Nice to have

• 15 years of experience in the embedded domain to design, develop, and support software solutions on multi-core CPUs.
• Strong C/C programming skills.

Skills: CPU software architecture, low-level firmware, bootstrapping, power controller, embedded SoC