Staff Software Engineer — Runtimes Performance

Job ID 2026-16871

Date posted Jul. 09, 2026

Location Cambridge, United Kingdom

Category Software Engineering

Staff Software Engineer - Runtimes Performance

We are looking for an experienced performance engineer who is passionate about developing compilers and managed runtimes and loves open-source software. In this role you will be working on improving the performance of managed language workloads on Arm architecture by improving the language runtime/compiler as well as identifying bottlenecks in the hardware and working with hardware designers to improve these. The languages covered include Java, JavaScript, Python, Rust and more.

You'll be part of the bigger CE-SW Runtimes team, whose goal is to improve modern languages support on the Arm architecture, from JavaScript to Rust. You will work closely with the team and colleagues across the organisation and with open source communities to tackle challenges in enabling the future of computing.

Responsibilities

Identify and implement changes to compilers and managed runtimes to improve the performance of selected workloads and better support Arm architectural features and CPU designs.

‎Identify bottlenecks in managed language workloads/benchmarks using profiling tools.

Collaborate with colleagues across Arm to improve the support for the Arm Architecture and CPUs.

Implement new runtime or compile features and fine-tune existing ones. (e.g. garbage collectors, interpreters, optimisation passes, intrinsics)

Contribute to open-source software projects and engage with open-source community.

Help develop the project automated functionality and performance testing frameworks.

Required skills and experience

Experience working on managed runtimes, compilers or similar technologies.

Strong programming skills in C/C++.

‎Familiar with performance analysis tools at an assembly level.

Knowledge of and interest in improving computer architecture and microarchitecture such as CPU pipelines and cache hierarchies.

Proficiency in software development and methodologies (coding, testing, debugging, reviewing)

Nice to have skills and experience

Familiar with Linux performance analysis tools and system level performance tuning.

Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Java, C#, Rust, Go, JavaScript, Python

Familiar with Agile software development methodology such as Scrum or Kanban.

‎Familiar with build systems and CI.

Familiar with open-source project development and contribution processes.

Please note: If skilled worker sponsorship is required, Arm will meet costs associated with sponsorship for the employer only. All fees associated with the individual’s application e.g. visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, will be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

In Return

You will work directly with upstream communities, contributing to language implementations used by millions of developers worldwide. You will have the opportunity to learn about and influence the latest Arm architecture features and microarchitectural implementations, working closely with highly skilled engineering teams on ground-breaking technology. You will be empowered to continually identify and roll out improvements to our ways of working.

#LI-KD1

Accommodations at Arm

At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email accommodations@arm.com. To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation. Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of support include breaks between interviews, having documents read aloud, or office accessibility. Please email us about anything we can do to accommodate you during the recruitment process.

Hybrid Working at Arm

Arm’s approach to hybrid working is designed to create a working environment that supports both high performance and personal wellbeing. We believe in bringing people together face to face to enable us to work at pace, whilst recognizing the value of flexibility. Within that framework, we empower groups/teams to determine their own hybrid working patterns, depending on the work and the team’s needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, the flexibility we can offer is limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, and where this is the case, we will collaborate with you to find the best solution. Please talk to us to find out more about what this could look like for you.

Equal Opportunities at Arm

Salary Range:

£97,300

£131,700

per year