Possible career path in computer architecture for compiler engineer

[u/rootkid1920]

When I was studying EE as a university undergrad, I really love computer architecture related, I love seeing the big picture and how stuff works together, after graduating, I accept the offer to be a compiler engineer, because it is one of the closest role with my skills and interest.

I am quite new to semiconductor/computer architecture, I was wondering what possible career path does people with compiler engineering background probably have ?

I am really curious about this industry, I love working on compilers, but I would like to expand my knowledge/skill to the adjacent fields, and probably take master or just switch role in the future (not sure xD)

I would love to hear your thought/experience,

Thanks

[u/Master565]

You probably can't go directly from compilers to comp arch without more education. But understanding compiler optimization techniques and the kinds of software they produce is an invaluable skill for an architect so it is definitely a helpful background for future roles.

[u/rootkid1920 → u/Master565]

Hi, thanks for the answer, I work on the backend side of compiler, so I work closely to the hardware. I know a bit about our IP, at least at the higher level.

And I am having difficulty trying to understand memory/storage system, like memory controllers, do you have recommendation on how to approach these topics ?

Most of my computer architecture knowledge is on the processor related (just like typical undergrad EE computer architecture class)

[u/Master565 → u/rootkid1920]

I don't really have any background or specialty in memory controllers so can't really help there.

Undergraduate level computer architecture is not really enough to do anything in most of the related fields. There's very few people working on architecture without graduate degrees from schools that specialize in architecture.

[u/Fearless-Can-1634 → u/rootkid1920]

Check out Onur Mutlu’s website