CPU Performance Modeling (Lead & ICs)

FULL -TIME  · Multiple Levels · US / Canada / India/Remote 

Nuvacore is building ground-up CPU silicon for next-generation compute workloads. As our CPU Performance Modeling Lead, you will own the performance modeling infrastructure and methodology that drives every architectural decision we make — from early pathfinding through tape-out and post-silicon correlation.

THE ROLE

• Design, develop and own Nuvacore’s cycle-accurate CPU performance simulator — its architecture, fidelity, and long-term roadmap — as the authoritative reference model for the design team. Experience developing trace-based and execution-driven CPU performance simulators.

• Lead microarchitectural exploration across all major CPU domains: frontend (fetch, decode, branch prediction), out-of-order engine (rename, dispatch, execution), and memory subsystem (caches, prefetchers, TLBs, coherence).

• Drive model-to-RTL correlation through all execution phases; own debug and resolution of performance miscorrelation between the performance model, RTL simulation, and post-silicon results.

• Collaborate closely with design, verification, compiler, and system software teams to align architecture decisions with implementation constraints and software stack realities.

• Mentor engineers across the performance team; provide technical leadership on modeling methodology, simulation infrastructure, and analysis tooling.

• Contribute to IP development through patents and, where applicable, external publication

WHAT YOU'LL OWN

• Performance model: Cycle-accurate C++ simulator — architecture, calibration, and correlation against RTL and silicon.

• Workload analysis: Benchmark characterization (SPEC, GeekBench, AI/ML, cloud, client traces) and bottleneck identification.

• Microarch exploration: PPA trade-off studies and feature proposals across the full CPU pipeline — frontend through memory subsystem.

• Cross-team alignment: Architecture-to-implementation bridge: design, verification, compiler, and OS/system software partners

REQUIREMENTS — MUST HAVE

• MS in Computer Architecture, Computer Engineering, or related field (PhD preferred).

• 20+ years (Lead) or 8+ years (ICs) in CPU microarchitecture and/or performance engineering.

• 20+ years (Lead) or 8+ years (ICs) of hands-on experience with cycle-accurate C++ CPU performance simulators (e.g. gem5 or equivalent in-house tools).

• Deep expertise in at least one of: branch prediction, fetch/decode, rename/dispatch, OOO execution, memory subsystem, or prefetchers.

• Strong C++ and Python / Perl skills; ability to write and analyse assembly for microarchitectural test cases.

• Proven track record driving performance from pathfinding through silicon (RTL correlation and/or post-Si debug).

• Experience in RISC-V or ARM64 or x86 ISA.

• Strong track record in identifying ideas to improve power/performance/area (PPA) of CPUs.

REQUIREMENTS — NICE TO HAVE

• Experience with compiler optimisations and hardware/software co-design.

• Published work or filed patents in CPU performance or microarchitecture.

• Prior principal-level role at a CPU design organisation.