SoC NPU Architect

Lab Summary:

The Samsung SoC Architecture Lab explores innovative SoC architecture, key IP blocks (CPU, GPU, NPU), bus / memory subsystem and multimedia subsystems for future Samsung Galaxy products (Smartphones, IoT and future devices) echoing Samsung’s AI for All strategy. We are defining the high performance SoC architecture development for various Galaxy device lineups. This lab collaborates with Samsung MX headquarter team, key R&D teams around the globe and Samsung's strategic SoC partners to innovate and reinvent technology that will positively impact hundred-millions of people around the world via the Galaxy flagship products.

Position Summary:

The NPU Architect role at Samsung Research America focuses on advancing technology solutions for machine learning applications and mobile devices. The position involves driving the architectural definition of Neural Processing Units (NPUs) and developing new architectures that prioritize low power, real-time and high performance to meet the rapid-growing demand of generative AI use cases emerged from low level camera vision, computational photography, photo editing, LLM and multimodal language-vision models targeting on-device inference. This tole is integral to the SoC Architecture Lab, which is part of Samsung Research America and the extension of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Division.

Position Responsibilities:

• Analyze the state-of-the-art AI algorithms including camera and Gen AI use cases (LLM and LVM)
• Drive architectural definition of NPUs for mobile AI applications
• Create NPU simulator to simulate real NPU
• Map Gen AI use cases to NPU and NPU simulator with compiler concept in mind to find the bottlenecks of NPU
• Optimize and co-design of SW and HW to develop new architectures for low power and high performance
• Lead PPA (power, performance, and area) tradeoff analysis to achieve requirements
• Work closely with AI use case developers and NPU compiler and software architects to come up with optimized architectural solutions
• Support the development of NPUs to make sure new NPU architecture succeed
• Work closely with design verification team for debug, to meet code and functional coverage targets

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer Science, related Science or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• 15+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 13+ years of experience, or PhD with 10+ years or working experience in NPU architecture & development
• Good knowledge and experience in architecture/design of NPUs
• Good knowledge in CNN and Transformer Network with hands on experience on LLM/LVM
• Well versed in processor architecture like ARM and RISC-V
• Experience in ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, ONNX)
• Good knowledge in ML compilers
• Experience in micro architecture of SoC, interface subsystems, logic modules
• Experience in complex logic designs and timing closure on large, sophisticated designs
• Self-motivated problem-solver with an ability to work well in a team
• Inclusive, adapting style to diverse global norms
• Avid learner with curiosity and resilience
• Collaborative, building relationships and offering support
• Innovative and creative, exploring innovative ideas and adapting quickly to change
• Proficient programming skills in Python and/or C++

Special Attributes:

• Experience in AI use case development and deployment (training, quantization, deployment)
• Experience in modeling for performance/power estimates using SystemC, Platform Architect, ModelSim, RTL or similar tools/expertise
• Experience in CPU, GPU, DSP, DRAM and interconnect IPs
• Good knowledge in ASIC design flow
• Highly motivated with good verbal and written communication skills
• Creativity in problem solving

Additional Information

Disclosure of Trade Secrets

Samsung has a strict policy on trade secrets. In applying to Samsung and progressing through the recruitment process, you must not disclose any trade secrets of a current or previous employer.

Essential Job Functions

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, and frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Samsung Research America is committed to complying with all Federal, State and local laws related to the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact the recruiter or email sratalent@samsung.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Samsung, we believe that innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We aim to create a global team where everyone belongs and has equal opportunities, inspiring our talent to be their true selves. Together, we are building a better tomorrow for our customers, partners, and communities.

Samsung Research America is committed to employing a diverse workforce, and  provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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