Senior/Staff AI Kernel Engineer

United States·Burlingamefull-timesenior

Software EngineeringKernel Engineer

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Quick Summary

Key Responsibilities

Expand and mature the Quadric core kernel library, enabling seamless execution for critical AI/LLM inference workloads.

Technical Tools

Software EngineeringKernel Engineer

Quadric is redefining edge AI with the industry's first General Purpose Neural Processing Unit (GPNPU), enabling developers to run both neural network inference and conventional C++ code on a single programmable architecture. Our technology powers intelligent edge devices across automotive, industrial, robotics, and embedded systems.

Founded in 2016 and based in downtown Burlingame, California, Quadric is building the world's first supercomputer designed for the real-time needs of edge devices. Quadric aims to empower developers in every industry with superpowers to create tomorrow's technology, today. The company was co-founded by technologists from MIT and Carnegie Mellon, who were previously the technical co-founders of the Bitcoin computing company 21.

Quadric has created an innovative General-Purpose Neural Processing Unit (GPNPU) architecture. Unlike standard NPUs or neural network accelerators that only accelerate a portion of a machine learning graph, Quadric’s GPNPU executes both NN graph code and conventional C++ DSP and control code across edge and endpoint devices.

As a AI Kernel Engineer on the SDK Team, you will play a central role in enabling a massive suite of AI/LLM kernels and operators to run efficiently on the Quadric platform. You will build out the core Quadric kernel library, profile performance across varied hardware configurations, and leverage deep knowledge of hardware architecture, compiler toolchains, and optimization techniques to drive maximum hardware utilization.

Responsibilities

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AI/LLM Kernel Development & Platform Library

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Develop highly efficient AI and LLM kernels/operators on the Quadric platform for performant neural network inference.
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Build out a robust, production-grade Quadric kernel library to support a variety of cutting-edge AI architectures.
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Drive kernel programming using C/C++ and Python.

Performance Optimization & Profiling

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Optimize kernel performance across different hardware configurations and workloads to achieve maximum hardware utilization.
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Profile and analyze kernel performance in terms of compute throughput, data movement, and parallel execution.
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Identify micro-architecture and software bottlenecks and engineer high-performance optimization solutions.

Within your first 6–12 months, you'll:

Expand and mature the Quadric core kernel library, enabling seamless execution for critical AI/LLM inference workloads.
Eliminate execution bottlenecks across hardware variants by tuning kernel data flow and compute efficiency.
Establish benchmark-proven performance standards and optimization patterns for target SDK customer environments.

3-8 years of hands-on experience in AI kernel development and performance optimization.
Proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
Direct experience with compute development in at least one of the following: CUDA, DSP, NEON, or Triton-lang.
Proven track record in model and kernel inference performance profiling.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Nice to Have

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Background in assembly language programming.
Experience from target NPU/semiconductor environments
Strong capability in structured problem-solving, debugging, and technical communication

What We Offer

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The base salary range for this position is $170,000 to $230,000. This range reflects the full span of levels and geographies at which Quadric hires for this role. The actual base salary offered will depend on a number of factors, including the specific level of the role, years and depth of relevant experience, technical skills and competencies, the criticality of the role to the business, internal equity, and work location. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for equity and a discretionary annual performance bonus as applicable to the role and level.

Quadric also offer a variety of benefits to support your needs. The benefits below reflect our US-based offerings; for roles in other locations, benefits vary and are shared during the hiring process. These include:

✓Medical, dental, and vision insurance from day one - Premiums covered at 99% for Employees

✓Company-paid life Insurance

✓Voluntary supplemental life insurance

✓STD + LTD insurance

✓Commuter support including parking or Caltrain reimbursement. Our office is conveniently located within walking distance of the Caltrain station

✓FSA + HSA

✓Equity with the business

✓Paid Parental Leave

✓401(k) Retirement Plan

✓Flexible PTO

✓Winter holiday shutdown

✓Catered lunch each day in our office

✓Downtown Burlingame office location, close to shops, cafes, and local amenities

✓Collaborative, low-ego culture with significant ownership and impact

✓A work culture focused on innovative disruption

Quadric is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

Quadric participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility for U.S.-based roles. As part of this process, applicants may review the following notices, which explain your rights and our participation in E-Verify. These notices are provided in English and Spanish.

No action is required from candidates during the application process. These notices are provided for informational purposes only.

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