Principal Engineer, AI System Architect (Hardware)

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Job Title: Principal Engineer, AI System Architect (Hardware)

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 Samsung's 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 Principal AI System Architect who will play a Technical Lead 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 Samsung's long-term AI platform strategy.

Location : Daily onsite presence at our San Jose office in alignment with our Flexible Work policy

Job ID : 42852

What You'll Do

• Technically Lead the architecture team with strong direction, shaping systemarchitecture strategy and advancing key innovations
• 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 system-level architectural research (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.
• 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 preferred, 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.
• You're 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.
• You're 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 You'll 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 way-including 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, you'll have support no matter where you are.
Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Cafe and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That's why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

Base Pay Range $219,000$351,000 USD

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.

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At Samsung Semiconductor, we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the recruitment process to enhance efficiency. However, AI is used as a support tool, not a final decision-maker. All hiring decisions are made by our human recruiting team and hiring managers to ensure every candidate is evaluated fairly and holistically.

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