> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3962706-principal-performance-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3962706-principal-performance-architect). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Performance Architect

- **Company:** Microsoft
- **Location:** Austin, TX, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $142,800.0 - $274,800.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Online Services, C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Computer Engineering, Python (Programming Language), Microsoft Software, Xbox Linux, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Computer Network Operations, Information Technology, Search Engines
- **Published:** October 27, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-performance-architect-austin-tx--ef982452-4e32-49cc-ab7f-e15473814e4b

## About the Role

Xbox, Microsoft Windows Azure, Microsoft Bing Search Engine, Microsoft Product Family, Customer Experience, Cloud Computing, Network Operations Center, Computer Engineering, Sustainability, Time Management, Required/minimum qualifications

 * Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years technical engineering experience OR Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements:

 * Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter., * MS or PhD in relevant CS/EE/CE
 * Experience in architecture and workload analysis on GPUs
 * 4+ years of experience with Python, C, C++
 * 6+ years of experience with performance modeling at various levels of abstraction, and analysis

Silicon Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

## Description

* Actively collaborate with architects, and provide critical feedback for future SoC
 * Use models to analyze performance bottlenecks in SoC for critical AI workloads
 * Opportunities for performance and power optimizations, and trade-offs on AI accelerators
 * Develop and test SoC and IP models, including model integration
 * Continuous collaboration with design and performance verification teams to close on SoC performance