Staff AI Kernel Engineer
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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 Haves
- Background in assembly language programming.
- Experience from target NPU/semiconductor environments
- Strong capability in structured problem-solving, debugging, and technical communication
Responsibilities
- Develop highly efficient AI and LLM kernels/operators on the Quadric platform for performant neural network inference.
- Build out a robust, production-grade Quadric kernel library to support a variety of cutting-edge AI architectures.
- Drive kernel programming using C/C++ and Python.
- Optimize kernel performance across different hardware configurations and workloads to achieve maximum hardware utilization.
- Profile and analyze kernel performance in terms of compute throughput, data movement, and parallel execution.
- Identify micro-architecture and software bottlenecks and engineer high-performance optimization solutions.
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
