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Graduate CPU Systems Architect - Job Opportunity at Arm

Sophia Antipolis, France
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: July 12, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 45,000 - 55,000 annually for graduate-level positions in France, with potential for rapid increases based on performance and the specialized nature of CPU architecture roles in the semiconductor industry

Benefits

Competitive salary package positioned above market standards for graduate-level positions in semiconductor architecture
Comprehensive rewards package including health benefits, retirement planning, and performance-based compensation
Structured career advancement through bi-annual review cycles enabling accelerated professional growth
Exclusive Graduate Committee participation opportunities developing leadership and organizational skills
Access to "Grad-teach-Grads" workshops fostering peer-to-peer learning and knowledge transfer
Guest speaker series providing industry insights and networking opportunities with technology leaders
Global Graduate Conference (GGC) access offering executive exposure and international networking
Hybrid working flexibility balancing collaboration needs with personal work-life integration
Accommodation support ensuring inclusive workplace accessibility for all employees

Key Responsibilities

Drive foundational architecture decisions for next-generation Arm processor technologies that will define industry computing standards
Collaborate with cross-functional technology teams to develop breakthrough innovations in CPU design and system architecture
Lead development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies including Arm Scalable Matrix Extension (SME) for AI and Large Language Model support
Partner with industry consortia and external technology partners to establish new computing paradigms and standards
Conduct advanced architecture performance analysis using cycle-accurate modeling to optimize system efficiency
Influence industry trends in generative AI and next-generation computing platforms through innovative architectural solutions
Develop and validate complex algorithms for hardware acceleration and vector processing optimization
Bridge software-hardware interfaces through compiler development, operating system integration, and device driver optimization

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science or Electronic Engineering, or alternative degrees with proven relevant experience

Experience

Entry-level graduate position with academic or project-based experience

Required Skills

Computer architecture concepts and trends (CPU, GPU and/or other hardware acceleration) Strong low level programming and analytical skills Deep Learning and/or generative AI (LLMs) and/or Robotics Complex systems and algorithms Architecture performance analysis/optimisation using cycle accurate modelling Digital Signal Processing and/or Computer Vision Vector processing and parallel programming Assembly language, ideally Arm Software/Hardware interface (e.g. device driver, operating system, or compiler development) Arm architecture fundamentals
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The semiconductor industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by AI and machine learning applications, with CPU architecture becoming increasingly critical for supporting large language models and generative AI workloads. This trend is creating massive demand for specialized architects who can design processors optimized for AI inference and training tasks. Edge computing and mobile AI applications are driving the need for power-efficient processor designs that can handle complex AI workloads while maintaining battery life, making ARM's low-power expertise increasingly valuable in the market. The convergence of traditional CPU architecture with AI acceleration capabilities is reshaping the entire processor landscape, with companies racing to integrate matrix processing units and vector extensions directly into CPU designs. Open-source AI frameworks and the democratization of AI development are creating demand for standardized hardware interfaces and architectures that can support diverse AI workloads across different platforms and applications.

Role Significance

Typically part of a 15-25 person architecture team with direct collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines including hardware design, software development, and product management
Graduate-level entry position with significant growth potential, designed as a pipeline into senior architecture roles within 3-5 years given the specialized nature of CPU design and the company's investment in graduate development

Key Projects

Next-generation ARM processor core development focusing on AI acceleration capabilities and matrix processing extensions Development of hardware-software co-design solutions for emerging AI workloads and large language model optimization Industry standard development and consortium participation to establish new computing paradigms for AI-enabled devices Performance optimization projects using advanced modeling and simulation tools to validate architectural decisions before silicon implementation

Success Factors

Deep technical understanding of both traditional CPU architecture principles and emerging AI acceleration techniques, combined with the ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical implementation challenges Strong collaboration skills enabling effective work across diverse engineering teams, external partners, and industry standards bodies while maintaining technical excellence Analytical mindset capable of using complex modeling tools and performance analysis methodologies to validate architectural decisions and optimize system performance Continuous learning orientation essential for staying current with rapidly evolving AI technologies, processor design methodologies, and industry standards in the semiconductor space

Market Demand

Extremely high demand driven by the AI revolution and the critical shortage of skilled CPU architects who understand both traditional processor design and modern AI acceleration requirements

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Computer architecture fundamentals are absolutely essential as they form the foundation for all processor design decisions, from instruction set design to pipeline optimization and cache hierarchies Low-level programming skills are critical for understanding how software interacts with hardware and for developing the tools and models used in architecture validation and performance analysis AI and machine learning knowledge is increasingly critical as processors must be designed specifically to accelerate these workloads, requiring deep understanding of neural network operations and optimization techniques

Beneficial Skills

Assembly language proficiency, particularly ARM assembly, provides crucial insight into how high-level algorithms translate to actual processor operations and helps in optimization work Digital signal processing and computer vision expertise are valuable given the increasing integration of these capabilities directly into processor architectures for edge AI applications Vector processing and parallel programming skills are beneficial for optimizing the matrix operations and parallel workloads that are central to modern AI and scientific computing applications

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work on processor technologies that will power billions of devices globally, with direct impact on the future of computing and AI implementation across industries
Access to cutting-edge AI acceleration technologies including the ARM Scalable Matrix Extension (SME), positioning graduates at the forefront of the convergence between traditional computing and artificial intelligence
Graduate-specific development programs including global conferences and peer learning opportunities that are rare in the semiconductor industry and demonstrate significant company investment in early-career talent
Exposure to industry consortium work and standards development, providing unique visibility into how major technology decisions are made across the semiconductor ecosystem

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior architect roles within 4-6 years, with accelerated advancement possible given the high demand for AI-focused processor expertise and ARM's structured graduate development program

Potential Next Roles

Senior CPU Systems Architect with increased responsibility for major processor core design decisions and technical leadership of architecture teams Principal Engineer roles focusing on strategic technology direction and cross-company collaboration on next-generation processor technologies Technical Program Manager positions overseeing complex multi-year processor development programs and coordinating across global engineering teams Product Management roles leveraging deep technical expertise to drive product strategy and market positioning for processor technologies

Company Overview

Arm

ARM Holdings is the world's leading semiconductor IP company, designing processor architectures that power over 95% of smartphones globally and increasingly dominating IoT, automotive, and data center markets through innovative, power-efficient designs

Industry leader and standard-setter in processor IP licensing with virtually unassailable position in mobile computing and rapidly expanding presence in server, automotive, and AI acceleration markets
The Sophia Antipolis location represents ARM's strategic European R&D hub, focusing on advanced processor technologies and serving as a key center for AI and machine learning architecture development
Engineering-focused culture emphasizing technical excellence, collaborative innovation, and long-term strategic thinking, with strong emphasis on graduate development and career progression from within
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