Principal Engineer, AI System Architect (Hardware) (San Jose)

Please Note:To provide the best candidate experience amidst our high application volumes, each candidate is limited to 10 applications across all open jobs within a 6-month period. Advancing the World’s Technology TogetherOur technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future. We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.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 policyJob ID: 42852What You’ll DoTechnically Lead the architecture team with strong direction, shaping system‑architecture strategy and advancing key innovationsConduct 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 BringPh.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.#LI-SF1What We OfferThe pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Pay within this range varies by work location and 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 Café 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 USDEqual 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.Our Commitment to Innovation and FairnessAt 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.Recruiting Agency PolicyWe do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.Applicant AI Use Policy At Samsung Semiconductor, we support innovation and technology. However, to ensure a fair and authentic assessment, we ask that candidates rely on their own knowledge and skills throughout the process. AI tools may be used for basic preparation, grammar, and research, but should not be used to generate or assist with submitted content or live interview responses. If we determine that AI is being used outside these guidelines, we reserve the right to pause or end the interview, and your candidacy may be disqualified.Trade Secret NoticeBy submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung—or encourage Samsung to use—any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.Applicant Privacy Policy