Principal Engineer, GPU Architect & Modeling

Principal Engineer, GPU Architect & Modeling Location: 3655 N 1st St, San Jose, CA, USA Position Summary Samsung, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, is founded on a simple philosophy – the endless pursuit of excellence will create a better world for all. At Samsung Austin Research and Development Center (SARC) and Advanced Computing Lab (ACL), we are building a center of excellence for Intellectual Property (IP) that is applied to high-performance computing devices (mobile, automotive, and other custom market segments) consumed by millions of people around the world. Come build with us! Role and Responsibilities As a Principal of GPU Architect & Modeling, you will lead teams to define the architectural vision, modeling strategy, and performance roadmap for Samsung’s next-generation mobile GPUs—powering cutting-edge graphics, compute, and AI capabilities for millions of premium mobile devices worldwide. In this high-impact and highly visible role, you will shape the long-term GPU architecture direction across performance, memory systems, PPA, system modeling, roadmap design, AI/ML acceleration, ray tracing, and shader and texture. You will guide cross-functional teams in transforming research concepts into silicon-proven capabilities, driving innovation in architectural design, modeling methodologies, and workload optimization that deliver world-class graphics performance and power efficiency, scalable across Samsung’s premium consumer device markets. You shape the long-term GPU architecture vision and technology development roadmap, setting technical direction across memory system, performance analysis, and PPA optimization to enable scalable, power-efficient designs for current and next-generation workloads. You spearhead design excellence by leading architecture and modeling teams to build advanced modeling frameworks and performance methodologies that guide architectural exploration, data-driven design decisions, and accurate silicon correlation. You drive innovation across shader, texture, and ray tracing features, and AI/ML acceleration features, influencing architectural strategies, feature definitions, and trade-offs that enhance graphics realism and deliver efficient compute capabilities for emerging use cases. You champion cross-functional collaboration among hardware, software, design, and system teams—aligning technical roadmap, integrating architecture, and optimizing system-level performance excellence, while articulating complex architectural trade-offs and strategic direction to gain consensus with executives and engineering peers. You empower a culture of innovation by mentoring leaders, exemplifying ownership, encouraging open communications and data-driven decisions, inspiring bold ideas and calculated risk taking that redefine industry standards. Skills and Qualifications 16+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science/Engineering, or 14+ years of experience with a Master’s Degree, or 12+ years of experience with a Ph.D. 12+ years of experience in GPU or graphics architecture, with deep expertise across multiple domains such as GPU performance analysis, memory system design, shader/texture architecture, and ray tracing. Proven success defining and driving GPU architecture strategies that balance performance, power, and area (PPA) tradeoffs. Deep expertise in GPU modeling methodologies—including performance simulation, microarchitectural analysis, and correlation to silicon. Demonstrated technical leadership in driving new GPU feature development (e.g., AI/ML acceleration, ray tracing, or advanced rendering pipelines. Strong knowledge of GPU programming models and workloads (graphics, compute, and AI inference) to translate workload characteristics into architectural innovation. Demonstrated ability to build and grow cross-functional engineering teams while influencing technical roadmaps and business strategy. Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to engage with executives, internal and external industry partners, and technical peers, and guide diverse teams through ambiguity. Our Team The GPU Architect team delivers whole system architecture-level design for Samsung’s current and next-generation mobile GPUs. Our work spans a wide range of disciplines—from early-stage architectural exploration and research in graphics and machine learning, to shaping the GPU innovation roadmap, defining new features, building models, and delivering microarchitecture design and programming. Our Xclipse GPU is the first mobile GPU with ray tracing technology that enables console-level graphics for Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Joining our team means collaborating with talented engineers from diverse technical backgrounds across a global organization. Here you’ll contribute to the roadmap for next-generation technologies, broaden your expertise, and solve impactful challenges in a supportive environment that values collaboration, continuous learning, and growth. Total Rewards At Samsung – SARC/ACL, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $221,700 and $364,800. Your actual base pay will depend on variables that may include your education skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. Samsung employees have access to benefits including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), onsite lunch, employee purchase program, tuition assistance (after 6 months), paid time off, student loan program, wellness incentives, and many more. In addition, regular full-time employees (salaried or hourly) are eligible for MBO bonus compensation, based on company, division, and individual performance. Additionally, this role might be eligible to participate in long term incentive plan and relocation. This is an exempt position, which is not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). U.S. Export Control This position requires the ability to access information subject to U.S. export control restrictions.  Applicants must have the ability to access export-controlled information or be eligible to receive a government authorization to access export-controlled information. Trade Secrets By submitting an application, you [applicant] agree[s] not to disclose to Samsung, or induce Samsung to use, any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to any current or previous employer or other person or entity. #SARC #ACL * Please visit Samsung membership to see Privacy Policy, which defaults according to your location. You can change Country/Language at the bottom of the page. If you are European Economic Resident, please click here. * Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and its subsidiaries are committed to employing a diverse workforce, and  provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Additional Locations: 3900 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX, USA