📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CPU Performance Engineer, Entry Level up to Staff
Company: Qualcomm Semiconductor Limited
Location: Hsinchu, Hsinchu, Taiwan
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering
Date Posted: June 25, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 years (or equivalent education)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Conduct performance analysis and validation for world-class Snapdragon CPU subsystems, focusing on mobile and portable computers.
Technical Skills: Demonstrate strong knowledge in computer architecture, CPU microarchitecture, ARM bus protocol, and DDR subsystems. Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting programming is essential.
Career Growth: This role offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with experienced engineers, fostering professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a unique blend of technical skills and offers a chance to work on high-impact projects in the semiconductor industry.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Performance Analysis: Analyze and optimize the performance of Snapdragon CPU subsystems using various tools and methodologies.
Benchmarking: Characterize benchmark workloads and identify performance bottlenecks to improve system efficiency.
Verification: Validate performance improvements on simulators or emulators to ensure system reliability and consistency.
Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including software and hardware engineers, to integrate performance enhancements into products.
Documentation: Maintain up-to-date documentation on performance analysis processes, tools, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, dynamic environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field with relevant work experience
OR
Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field with relevant work experience
OR
PhD in Science, Engineering, or a related field with relevant work experience

Required Skills:

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, with a focus on computer architecture
Strong knowledge of CPU microarchitecture, ARM bus protocol, and DDR subsystems
Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting programming
Hands-on experience with performance analysis and validation works

Preferred Skills:

Experience in benchmark workload characterization and performance bottleneck analysis
Hands-on experience with performance verification on simulators or emulators
Familiarity with ARMv8/v9 architecture
Knowledge of OS, firmware, and software stacks
Familiarity with GCC/LLVM compilation flow

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating their technical skills will be highly competitive for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Performance Analysis Projects: Highlight projects that showcase your ability to analyze and optimize CPU performance, including any relevant tools, methodologies, or techniques used.
Benchmarking & Verification: Include examples of benchmark workload characterization, performance bottleneck analysis, and verification processes you've implemented.
Collaboration & Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and maintain clear, concise documentation on performance analysis processes and best practices.

Technical Documentation:

Code Quality: Ensure your code is well-commented, modular, and adheres to best practices for performance optimization and maintainability.
Version Control: Familiarize yourself with version control systems, such as Git, and demonstrate your ability to manage and track changes in your projects.
Testing & Validation: Include examples of performance testing, validation, and optimization techniques you've employed in your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role will emphasize practical, real-world examples of performance analysis, benchmarking, and verification, demonstrating your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to solve complex problems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is approximately NT$1,200,000 - NT$1,800,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on market research and industry standards for similar roles in the semiconductor industry.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
Retirement savings plans with company matching
Employee stock purchase plan
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
On-site fitness centers and wellness programs
Generous vacation and holiday time

Working Hours: Full-time employees typically work 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While Qualcomm does not provide salary information for this role, the estimated salary range is based on market research and industry standards for similar roles in the semiconductor industry in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Qualcomm operates in the semiconductor industry, focusing on designing and manufacturing wireless technology and hardware solutions.

Company Size: Qualcomm is a large, multinational corporation with a significant global presence, offering numerous opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Qualcomm was founded in 1985 and has since grown to become a leading provider of wireless technology and hardware solutions.

Team Structure:

The CPU Performance Engineer role is part of the Engineering Group, specifically within the ASICS Engineering team.
The team consists of various engineering disciplines, including hardware, software, and firmware engineers, working collaboratively to develop and optimize Snapdragon CPU subsystems.

Development Methodology:

Qualcomm employs Agile methodologies, such as Scrum, to manage development projects and ensure efficient collaboration between teams.
The company emphasizes code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices to maintain high standards for its products.
Qualcomm utilizes CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies to streamline the development process and ensure consistent product quality.

Company Website: Qualcomm

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualcomm's large, global team structure and Agile development methodologies provide ample opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is suitable for entry-level to staff-level engineers with relevant education and experience in computer architecture, performance analysis, and related fields.

Reporting Structure: CPU Performance Engineers typically report to a Senior Engineer or Engineering Manager within the ASICS Engineering team.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of Snapdragon CPU subsystems, contributing to the overall success of Qualcomm's wireless technology and hardware solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Progression: As you gain experience and demonstrate your expertise in performance analysis and optimization, you may have the opportunity to take on more complex projects or lead teams in developing cutting-edge technologies.
Leadership Roles: With experience and a strong track record, you may progress into management or architecture roles, guiding the technical direction of the ASICS Engineering team and Qualcomm's CPU performance strategies.
Specialization: You may choose to specialize in specific areas of performance analysis, such as power optimization, thermal management, or workload-specific performance tuning, becoming an expert in your field.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualcomm's large, diverse team and commitment to professional development provide numerous opportunities for career growth and technical specialization within the semiconductor industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Qualcomm's Hsinchu office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate cross-functional team interaction and innovation.

Office Location(s): The Hsinchu office is located in the Hsinchu Science Park, providing easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: The open-plan workspace encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing between team members, fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment.
Development Tools: Qualcomm provides state-of-the-art development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure engineers have the resources they need to succeed.
Work-Life Balance: Qualcomm offers flexible scheduling and remote work options to support work-life balance and accommodate individual needs.

Work Schedule: Full-time employees typically work 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualcomm's modern, collaborative work environment and commitment to work-life balance provide an ideal setting for engineers to thrive and excel in their careers.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Resume Screening: Qualcomm's HR team will review your resume and portfolio to ensure your qualifications align with the role's requirements.
Phone/Skype Screen: A brief phone or Skype call to discuss your background, experience, and career goals.
On-site Interview: A full-day on-site interview, including technical assessments, case studies, and behavioral interviews to evaluate your skills and cultural fit.
Final Decision: Qualcomm's hiring team will review your performance and make a final decision regarding your candidacy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Performance Analysis Projects: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to analyze and optimize CPU performance, including any relevant tools, methodologies, or techniques used.
Case Studies: Prepare detailed case studies that outline the problem, your approach, the solution, and the results achieved, emphasizing the impact on system performance and efficiency.
Code Quality: Ensure your code is well-commented, modular, and adheres to best practices for performance optimization and maintainability.
Presentation Skills: Develop strong presentation skills to effectively communicate your technical expertise and the value you can bring to the Qualcomm team.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Performance Analysis Challenges: Familiarize yourself with performance analysis tools and methodologies, and practice applying them to hypothetical scenarios or case studies.
Benchmarking & Verification Challenges: Brush up on your knowledge of benchmark workload characterization, performance bottleneck analysis, and verification processes, and prepare for hands-on exercises that assess your skills in these areas.
Problem-Solving Skills: Develop strong problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss your approach to complex performance analysis challenges and the strategies you employ to overcome them.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Programming Languages: C, C++, Assembly, Python, Perl, Shell
Performance Analysis Tools: Perf, VTune, Intel Performance Counter Monitor (PCM), ARM Performance Studio (APS), Valgrind, GDB, LLDB
Benchmarking Tools: Linpack, STREAM, SPEC CPU, PassMark, Geekbench, 3DMark
Verification Tools: Simulators, emulators, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, formal verification
Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MongoDB, Redis
Version Control: Git, SVN, Perforce
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, V-Model, CMMI, ITIL
Soft Skills: Problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, leadership, mentoring
Industry Terms: CPU, GPU, SoC, ASIC, FPGA, EDA, CAD, RTL, VHDL, Verilog, SystemC, ARM, x86, RISC-V, MIPS, PowerPC, SPARC

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualcomm's interview process is designed to evaluate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit, ensuring you are well-prepared to succeed in the role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: (Not applicable for this role)

Backend & Server Technologies:

CPU Architectures: ARM, x86, RISC-V, MIPS, PowerPC, SPARC
Microarchitectures: In-order, out-of-order, superscalar, VLIW, EPIC
Bus Protocols: ARM AMBA, ARM AXI, ARM APB, PCI, PCIe, USB, SDIO, UART, SPI, I2C
Memory Subsystems: DDR, LPDDR, LPDDR2, LPDDR3, LPDDR4, LPDDR5, SDRAM, SRAM, Flash, ROM, EEPROM

Development & DevOps Tools:

Performance Analysis Tools: Perf, VTune, Intel Performance Counter Monitor (PCM), ARM Performance Studio (APS), Valgrind, GDB, LLDB
Benchmarking Tools: Linpack, STREAM, SPEC CPU, PassMark, Geekbench, 3DMark
Verification Tools: Simulators, emulators, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, formal verification
Version Control: Git, SVN, Perforce
CI/CD Pipelines: Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, CircleCI, Travis CI, Bamboo
Monitoring Tools: Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack, Datadog, New Relic, AppDynamics

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualcomm's technology stack and infrastructure requirements are tailored to the specific needs of the CPU Performance Engineer role, focusing on performance analysis, benchmarking, and verification tools and methodologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values: (Not applicable for this role)

CPU Performance Engineer Values:

Performance Focus: Qualcomm values engineers who prioritize performance optimization and efficiency in their work, continuously seeking ways to improve system throughput, power consumption, and thermal management.
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Qualcomm fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, encouraging engineers to work together to solve complex problems and learn from one another.
Innovation & Continuous Learning: Qualcomm values engineers who stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies, continuously expanding their skills and expertise.
Quality & Reliability: Qualcomm emphasizes high-quality, reliable products, and expects engineers to maintain rigorous standards for their work.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: CPU Performance Engineers work closely with hardware, software, and firmware engineers to ensure optimal performance and compatibility between system components.
Code Review Culture: Qualcomm values code reviews as a critical component of the development process, ensuring code quality, consistency, and maintainability.
Peer Programming & Mentoring: Qualcomm encourages peer programming and mentoring, fostering a collaborative learning environment that benefits both individual engineers and the broader team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualcomm's CPU Performance Engineer role requires a strong focus on performance optimization, collaboration, and continuous learning, with a commitment to high-quality, reliable products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Performance Optimization: Identify and address performance bottlenecks in complex, high-performance systems, requiring a deep understanding of CPU architecture, microarchitecture, and memory subsystems.
Power & Thermal Management: Balance system performance with power consumption and thermal constraints, requiring expertise in power management techniques and thermal modeling.
Emerging Technologies: Stay current with emerging technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and 5G, and adapt performance analysis strategies to support these innovations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Qualcomm offers numerous opportunities for technical skill development, including training programs, workshops, and online learning resources.
Conference Attendance: Qualcomm encourages engineers to attend industry conferences and events to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in performance analysis and optimization.
Mentorship & Leadership Development: Qualcomm provides mentorship and leadership development opportunities to help engineers advance their careers and take on more significant technical and management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualcomm's CPU Performance Engineer role presents numerous technical challenges and growth opportunities, requiring engineers to stay current with emerging technologies and continuously expand their skills and expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

CPU Architecture: Demonstrate your understanding of CPU architecture, microarchitecture, and memory subsystems, including cache hierarchies, branch prediction, and out-of-order execution.
Performance Analysis: Explain your approach to performance analysis, benchmarking, and optimization, including your preferred tools, methodologies, and best practices.
Problem-Solving: Present a structured approach to solving complex performance analysis problems, including your ability to identify and address performance bottlenecks, power consumption issues, and thermal management challenges.

Company & Culture Questions:

Qualcomm's Performance Focus: Describe how you prioritize performance optimization and efficiency in your work, and provide examples of your approach to improving system throughput, power consumption, and thermal management.
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Explain how you have worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams to solve complex performance analysis challenges, and how you have shared your knowledge and expertise with your colleagues.
Innovation & Continuous Learning: Discuss your approach to staying current with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies, and how you have applied this knowledge to your work as a performance analysis engineer.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Performance Analysis Projects: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to analyze and optimize CPU performance, including any relevant tools, methodologies, or techniques used.
Case Studies: Prepare detailed case studies that outline the problem, your approach, the solution, and the results achieved, emphasizing the impact on system performance and efficiency.
Code Quality: Ensure your code is well-commented, modular, and adheres to best practices for performance optimization and maintainability.
Presentation Skills: Develop strong presentation skills to effectively communicate your technical expertise and the value you can bring to the Qualcomm team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qualcomm's interview process is designed to evaluate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit, ensuring you are well-prepared to succeed in the CPU Performance Engineer role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this CPU Performance Engineer position at Qualcomm:

Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant performance analysis, benchmarking, and verification experience, as well as your proficiency with the required tools and technologies.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your ability to analyze and optimize CPU performance, including case studies, code samples, and any relevant tools or methodologies you've employed.
Research Qualcomm: Familiarize yourself with Qualcomm's products, technologies, and company culture to ensure a strong fit for your career goals and technical expertise.
Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on your knowledge of CPU architecture, performance analysis, and related topics, and practice answering technical interview questions to build your confidence and refine your approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

CPU Performance Engineer, Entry Level up to Staff