Principal Engineer, AI System Architect (Hardware)

Samsung Semiconductor • San Jose, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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 Senior Staff AI System Architect who will play a key 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.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 AI workloads (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.
• Lead the architecture team with strong technical direction, shaping system‑architecture strategy and advancing key innovations
• 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%).

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree