Staff Software Engineer, Compiler

Code Metal • Boston, MA

1d • $170,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Code Metal is building translation tools that convert Python algorithm code into correct, deployable C++ for embedded systems. The tools combine traditional compiler techniques with generative AI and modern verification: analysis and lowering handle most translation work, AI assists with cases that analysis cannot cover, and testing and verification check the result.

The Staff Software Engineer will lead the architecture of the translation pipeline, from parsing and semantic analysis through intermediate representation (IR) design and C++ code generation. The work includes preserving Python semantics in statically typed C++, evolving language-independent compiler infrastructure, integrating LLM-assisted generation with structured outputs and checks, and working with verification and domain specialists to apply static analysis and formal methods. The role also sets engineering standards for the codebase, including testing, CI/CD, reproducible builds, and code review.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of professional software development in C++ and/or Python, with software shipped to real users.
• Hands-on experience building a compiler, transpiler, interpreter, or language runtime, including the end-to-end pipeline rather than only one pass.
• Deep understanding of parsing, AST and IR design, type systems, IR transformations, and code generation.
• Experience with compiler infrastructure such as Clang/LLVM, MLIR, GCC, or equivalent.
• Strong modern C++, including templates, value semantics, undefined behavior, and how source code maps to the machine.
• Solid delivery fundamentals, including code review, testing, CI/CD, and build systems.
• A track record of leading large technical projects in a team and turning stakeholder needs into designs.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with dynamic-language implementation or analysis, such as CPython internals, PyPy, Cython, Numba, mypyc, or type inference for dynamic languages.
• Experience with differential testing, fuzzing, symbolic execution, or formal verification, such as Z3, Coq, or TLA+.
• Experience applying LLMs to code generation or program repair.
• Experience with embedded, heterogeneous (FPGA/GPU), or resource-constrained targets.
• Familiarity with DSP, RF, communications, or other compute-intensive domains.
• A current security clearance, or the ability to obtain one; U.S. citizenship is required for cleared work.

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve the pipeline's intermediate representation, analysis passes, and C++ code generation, keeping the core independent of any one source language.
• Build type inference and lowering for dynamic Python features, including arbitrary-precision integers, exceptions, generators, containers, and calls to standard and third-party libraries.
• Make semantic equivalence measurable through differential testing against CPython, conformance suites, and fuzzing.
• Integrate LLM-assisted generation where analysis falls short, using structured outputs and checks to identify errors.
• Collaborate with verification and domain specialists to incorporate static analysis and formal methods into the pipeline.
• Set engineering standards for the codebase, including tests, CI/CD, reproducible builds, and code review.
• Lead the architecture of the translation pipeline, from parsing and semantic analysis through IR design to C++ code generation.
• Lead large technical projects as part of a team and translate stakeholder needs into designs.

Benefits

• Health care plan with 100% premium coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.
• 401(k) with 5% matching.
• Paid time off, including uncapped vacation, sick time, and public holidays.
• Flexible hybrid or remote work arrangement.
• Relocation assistance for qualifying employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed