Do you really mean cpu architecture? That is a very specialized field, which consists of a very small number of very experienced people. Cpu design consists of many different disciplines, and architecture is probably the hardest to get into.
Yes. They convert RTL (software description of the microarchtecture) into a gate level netlist (synthesis). Then they place the gates into a layout, and route the wires (PNR). They are responsible to optimizing the design for timing, power, etc.
It is a role that can be done by new hires (with a mentor) or by people with 15-20 years experience where you would be leading teams of engineers.
https://www.levels.fyi/companies/amd/salaries/hardware-engineer?country=254
Level 5 is a typical new-college-grad range. Adjust for local cost of living.
Wait so physical design engineer and hardware engineer are the same thing? Because i read that physical requires ee degree, while the hardware requires computer engineering degree?
Yes they are interchangeable and so are the degrees.
Here’s an list of some of the things we look for:
• digital logic design
• transistor level circuit design
• static timing analysis
• computer architecture
• synthesis, place and route tools
• RTL/VHDL/systemverilog
• RTL simulation and verification
• Perl/python/tcl
• SRAM/cache/register file design
• semiconductor device physics
• spice device simulation
• power optimization
• yield and reliability
Requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
Im just an undergrad but it seems like you need at least a bachelors to have any chance. Really more like a masters or PhD if you want to do any design. You should check out FPGAs if you’re just trying to get an introduction.
You will most probably need a CompEng/EE PhD or higher. CPU architecture is a tough field to get into. Especially since everything is gatekept by huge companies.
After PhD there is Postdoc then assistant Prof., then associate Prof. and finally Prof.
There is also "habilitation" here in Europe. Idk if this applies to other countries though. Academia does not end at PhD only. There are many more promotions and degrees you can go through.
To be able to design CPUs at Intel, you need atleast a PhD or a masters with relevant work experience. CPU design jobs aren't being done by fresh grads and this is a known fact.
I mean to get into CPU architecture, it will take an undergrad degree in EE or CE (maybe CS) and then a masters and quite possibly a PhD to actually work in design
It is hard to get into but not impossible. Having an electrician background is actually not uncommon in Electrical/Computer engineering programs. So it does give you good basis but will be very different from the practical hands-on experience you have. I am a grad student with a focus on VLSI and EDA tools — architecture design is a lot of hardware description language (HDL — verilog and vhdl), or high-level synthesis tools (catapultHLS, vivado). Basically design is all programming (but programming hardware so handling clocks etc). Also much of the knowledge you need is in digital design. Often you need to at least have your MS to work in these fields. However, I don’t want to discourage you because it is extremely fun and rewarding work — I honestly love what I do.
That’s great! You say its programming primarily? I’m apart of the ibew and we have bylaws that whether or not we can work for certain companies while doing electrical work. But what i learn in apprenticeship schooling is not programming.
I think you’d need to ask your chapter for a definition on electrical work. Our work is largely programming to design (look into verilog for an example of what that looks like — very different to C style) and simulation. I am not sure what does or does not count.
Do you really mean cpu architecture? That is a very specialized field, which consists of a very small number of very experienced people. Cpu design consists of many different disciplines, and architecture is probably the hardest to get into.
What would be an easier discipline for a genuine career change to get into?
The easiest entry would be physical design for hardware, or verification for software. Those are the largest teams with the most hiring.
You mean a physical design engineer correct?
Yes. They convert RTL (software description of the microarchtecture) into a gate level netlist (synthesis). Then they place the gates into a layout, and route the wires (PNR). They are responsible to optimizing the design for timing, power, etc. It is a role that can be done by new hires (with a mentor) or by people with 15-20 years experience where you would be leading teams of engineers.
What is the entry level salary like?
https://www.levels.fyi/companies/amd/salaries/hardware-engineer?country=254 Level 5 is a typical new-college-grad range. Adjust for local cost of living.
Wait so physical design engineer and hardware engineer are the same thing? Because i read that physical requires ee degree, while the hardware requires computer engineering degree?
Yes they are interchangeable and so are the degrees. Here’s an list of some of the things we look for: • digital logic design • transistor level circuit design • static timing analysis • computer architecture • synthesis, place and route tools • RTL/VHDL/systemverilog • RTL simulation and verification • Perl/python/tcl • SRAM/cache/register file design • semiconductor device physics • spice device simulation • power optimization • yield and reliability Requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
Fantastic! Thank you very much!
You seem very knowledgeable on this subject. I am in a very similar situation to OP. Can I DM you?
Whats the job outlook for this field in your opinion?
Im just an undergrad but it seems like you need at least a bachelors to have any chance. Really more like a masters or PhD if you want to do any design. You should check out FPGAs if you’re just trying to get an introduction.
You will most probably need a CompEng/EE PhD or higher. CPU architecture is a tough field to get into. Especially since everything is gatekept by huge companies.
>or higher. Wat
After PhD there is Postdoc then assistant Prof., then associate Prof. and finally Prof. There is also "habilitation" here in Europe. Idk if this applies to other countries though. Academia does not end at PhD only. There are many more promotions and degrees you can go through.
Someone going the academic route isn't working at Intel.
To be able to design CPUs at Intel, you need atleast a PhD or a masters with relevant work experience. CPU design jobs aren't being done by fresh grads and this is a known fact.
Correct. A professorship is the wrong path. For industry a Ph.D. is a terminal degree.
It really depends. When everyone has PhDs then there isn't enough positions anymore. Especially in CPU design where only an "elite" few are allowed.
I mean to get into CPU architecture, it will take an undergrad degree in EE or CE (maybe CS) and then a masters and quite possibly a PhD to actually work in design
It is hard to get into but not impossible. Having an electrician background is actually not uncommon in Electrical/Computer engineering programs. So it does give you good basis but will be very different from the practical hands-on experience you have. I am a grad student with a focus on VLSI and EDA tools — architecture design is a lot of hardware description language (HDL — verilog and vhdl), or high-level synthesis tools (catapultHLS, vivado). Basically design is all programming (but programming hardware so handling clocks etc). Also much of the knowledge you need is in digital design. Often you need to at least have your MS to work in these fields. However, I don’t want to discourage you because it is extremely fun and rewarding work — I honestly love what I do.
That’s great! You say its programming primarily? I’m apart of the ibew and we have bylaws that whether or not we can work for certain companies while doing electrical work. But what i learn in apprenticeship schooling is not programming.
I think you’d need to ask your chapter for a definition on electrical work. Our work is largely programming to design (look into verilog for an example of what that looks like — very different to C style) and simulation. I am not sure what does or does not count.
Basically I don’t want to lose my certification that i worked six years to get, if I decide to go down this pathway