Samarth Bonthala
Senior Design Engineer (GPU RTL Design) at Qualcomm
Designing Shader Core RTL for Adreno GPUs at Qualcomm.
Intro
I'm Samarth Bonthala, a Senior Design Engineer at Qualcomm in Austin, where I focus on GPU RTL design for Adreno Shader Cores. My career has been a journey through the intricacies of computer architecture, from verifying automotive SoCs and Snapdragon chips to designing RISC-V CPU cores. I recently completed my MS at UT Austin with a focus on architecture and embedded systems, and I'm passionate about pushing the boundaries of what hardware can do, especially at the intersection of VLSI and Machine Learning. Beyond the technical side, I'm a big believer in mentorship and community building, having led various IEEE initiatives to help bridge the gap between academia and industry. I’m always happy to share knowledge, discuss the latest in RTL design, or help connect talent with the right opportunities in the semiconductor space.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Deep expertise in RTL design and verification
- ›Insights into GPU and CPU microarchitecture
- ›Mentorship for students and young professionals
- ›Referrals and information on semiconductor hiring
What I'm looking for
- ›expanding my professional network
- ›exploring mutual opportunities in the semiconductor industry
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Progressed from intern to SoC verification engineer at Qualcomm India, transitioned to CPU design at Cadence and NVIDIA during MS studies at UT Austin, and returned to Qualcomm as a Senior Design Engineer focusing on GPU RTL.
Education
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, UT Austin (2022–2024), GPA 3.97/4.0; B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, NITK (2015–2019), Grade 9.2/10.0.
Achievements
- ›Reduced simulation times by 20% using a custom PERL/SLN methodology at Qualcomm.
- ›Led NITK IEEE student branch to receive the Regional Exemplary Student Branch award.
- ›Co-authored and presented research on Delta Sigma Modulators at ISED 2019.
- ›Maintained a 3.97/4.0 GPA during MS at UT Austin.
Opinions
- Mentorship is vital for bridging the gap between students and industry professionals.
- Methodical organization of training resources is essential for team efficiency.
- Project-based learning is a superior way to develop technical skills.
Personality
Communication style
Professional, enthusiastic, and community-oriented with a structured approach.
Formality — 8/10
Vocabulary