Senior Performance Architect

quadric, Inc•Burlingame, CA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Quadric has created an innovative general purpose neural processing unit (GPNPU) architecture. Quadric's co-optimized software and hardware is targeted to run neural network (NN) inference workloads in a wide variety of edge and endpoint devices, ranging from battery operated smart-sensor systems to high-performance automotive or autonomous vehicle systems. Unlike other NPUs or neural network accelerators in the industry today that can only accelerate a portion of a machine learning graph, the Quadric GPNPU executes both NN graph code and conventional C++ DSP and control code. As a Senior Performance Architect, you will be the critical link between software and hardware, responsible for understanding how code executes on Quadric's architecture and identifying opportunities for optimization. You will analyze workloads from high-level C++ and Python down through generated assembly to pinpoint performance bottlenecks. This is a hands-on role: beyond analysis, you will prototype solutions yourself - whether that means writing optimized code, modifying compiler passes, or building proof-of-concept implementations to validate proposed fixes before handing off to the appropriate team for productization. This role requires regular work from the Quadric office in Burlingame, CA, a minimum of 2–3 days per week, with some weeks requiring more days onsite based on business needs. Candidates must be able to commute to the office.

Requirements

BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of performance analysis experience
Strong proficiency in C++ and Python; ability to read, reason about, and write optimized code at the assembly level
Hands-on mentality: comfortable implementing proof-of-concept solutions, not just identifying problems
Deep understanding of computer architecture: pipelines, caches, memory hierarchies, SIMD/vector execution
Experience with profiling tools (perf, VTune, custom trace analysis) and performance debugging methodologies
Ability to trace performance issues from application behavior down to microarchitectural root causes
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
Excellent communication skills; ability to explain complex performance issues to diverse audiences
Experience working cross-functionally with compiler, runtime, and hardware teams

Nice To Haves

Experience with ML/AI workloads and frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, ONNX)
Background in compiler development or code generation
Experience with GPU, DSP, or custom accelerator architectures
Familiarity with cycle-accurate simulation and performance modeling tools

Responsibilities

Analyze application performance across the full stack: C++/Python source, compiler output, assembly, and hardware execution
Identify and localize performance bottlenecks to specific code regions, assembly sequences, or architectural limitations
Implement proof-of-concept fixes and optimizations to validate proposed solutions before broader rollout
Develop and maintain profiling infrastructure, benchmarks, and performance regression tests
Collaborate with compiler engineers to improve code generation and optimization passes
Work with hardware architects to identify microarchitectural improvements and validate performance models
Create performance models that predict workload behavior and guide optimization priorities
Document findings and communicate performance insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Support customer engagements by analyzing their workloads and recommending optimizations

Benefits

Competitive salary and meaningful equity
Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
401(k) retirement plan
Flexible paid time off (unlimited, non-accrual) to support work-life balance
When working in-office, enjoy company-provided lunches and a stocked kitchen
Convenient office location within walking distance of the Caltrain station
Support for commuting, including monthly parking or Caltrain passes
Downtown Burlingame office location, close to shops, cafes, and local amenities
A politics-free, highly collaborative environment where talented people can do their best work and make an immediate impact
The opportunity to build long-term career relationships in a company that values strong personal connections alongside professional excellence