Staff AI Kernel 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. THE OPPORTUNITY 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. WHAT YOU'LL DO AI/LLM Kernel Development & Platform Library - 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. Performance Optimization & Profiling - 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. WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE 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. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Required - 5+ 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. Preferred - Background in assembly language programming. - Experience from target NPU/semiconductor environments - Strong capability in structured problem-solving, debugging, and technical communication WHAT WE OFFER In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits to support your needs. The benefits below reflect our India-based offerings; for roles in other locations, benefits vary and are shared during the hiring process. These include:   - Medical, dental, and vision insurance - Equity with the business - Paid Parental Leave - PF Retirement Plan - Flexible PTO - Winter holiday shutdown - Catered lunch each day in our office - Downtown Pune 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 If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not perfectly match every qualification. We value potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn just as much as direct experience.   EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 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 E-VERIFY AND RIGHT TO WORK NOTICES 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. - E-Verify Participation Notice (English | Spanish) https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf - Right to Work Notice (English | Spanish) https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf No action is required from candidates during the application process. These notices are provided for informational purposes only.   PRIVACY By submitting an application, you acknowledge that Quadric will collect and process your personal information as part of the hiring process. Please review our Privacy Policy https://quadric.ai/privacy-policyto understand how we handle your data