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Compiler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Machine Learning Compiler Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As a Machine Learning Compiler Engineer on the Apple Neural Engine (ANE) team, you'll work to bring high-performance, low-power AI solutions to life on iconic Apple products like the Vision Pro ...

femtoAI

Senior ML Compiler Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

You will design and build core components of our ML compiler, owning critical parts of the transformation and optimization pipeline. Your work will directly determine whether models fit within ...

Datapelago

Sr. Compiler Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

Senior Compiler Engineer Mountain View, CA About DataPelago: DataPelago is at the forefront of revolutionizing data processing for traditional analytics and cutting-edge GenAI preprocessing. We are ...

Nvidia

Senior Compiler Engineer - PVA

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$122K - $168K/yr

NVIDIA is now looking for a Senior Compiler Engineer to join our Programmable Vision Accelerator (PVA) Tools Team! Are you ready to push the boundaries of what's possible? NVIDIA has revolutionized ...

Datapelago

Sr. Compiler Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Senior Compiler Engineer Mountain View, CA About DataPelago: DataPelago is at the forefront of revolutionizing data processing for traditional analytics and cutting-edge GenAI preprocessing. We are ...

Bolt Graphics

GPU Compiler Lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

About the role: We're looking for highly experienced GPU Compiler Lead. You will lead the design, development, implementation, and toolchain of a high-performance compiler stack for our proprietary ...

Nvidia

Senior Fortran Compiler Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

NVIDIA's HPC compiler group wants to hire a Fortran compiler developer to join the team building one of the world's most important optimizing compilers. If you want a front-row seat to ...

Apple

Machine Learning Compiler Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

As a Machine Learning Compiler Engineer on the Apple Neural Engine (ANE) team, you'll work to bring high-performance, low-power AI solutions to life on iconic Apple products like the Vision Pro ...

Altera

FPGA Compiler (Placer) Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $195K/yr

Our compiler and tools teams are central to enabling customers to efficiently map complex designs onto advanced FPGA architectures. Altera is seeking a FPGA Compiler Engineer (Placer) to join our ...

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Compiler information

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How much do compiler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for compiler in California is $20.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compiler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compiler Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages, and compiler theory, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like LLVM, GCC, and experience with languages such as C/C++ or Rust are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this field. These skills ensure the development of efficient, reliable compilers that support robust software and systems development.

What are the common challenges faced when working as a Compiler Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Compiler Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing code for performance, ensuring compatibility across various hardware architectures, and maintaining the correctness of complex transformations. Debugging and diagnosing issues in the compilation process can be particularly intricate, requiring a strong understanding of both source and target languages. Collaborating closely with language designers and hardware engineers, as well as utilizing automated testing and profiling tools, helps address these challenges and results in more robust and efficient compilers.

What is the salary of a compiler designer?

The salary of a compiler designer typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Skilled professionals with expertise in programming languages, algorithms, and tools like LLVM or GCC tend to earn higher salaries.

What is a compiler job?

A compiler job involves developing, maintaining, or improving software that translates source code written in programming languages into executable machine code. This role requires knowledge of programming languages, algorithms, and tools like compiler design, and often involves working with programming languages such as C or C++. Compiler engineers ensure that code is efficiently translated and optimized for different hardware platforms.

What is a compiler?

A compiler is a specialized computer program that translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code or another lower-level language that a computer can execute. This process allows developers to write code in languages like C++, Java, or Python, which are easier for humans to understand, and then have it converted into instructions that hardware can process. Compilers perform various tasks such as syntax analysis, optimization, and code generation to ensure the resulting program runs efficiently and correctly.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those working in high-demand areas like Silicon Valley or with expertise in specialized fields such as machine learning or cloud computing, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often stock options or bonuses as part of compensation packages.

What is the difference between Compiler vs Interpreter?

AspectCompilerInterpreter
FunctionTranslates entire code into machine language before executionTranslates code line-by-line during execution
SpeedFaster execution after compilationSlower due to real-time translation
UsageUsed in languages like C, C++Used in languages like Python, JavaScript
ErrorsErrors are found after compilationErrors are detected during execution
OutputProduces standalone executable filesRuns directly from source code

In summary, a compiler translates the entire program into machine code before execution, resulting in faster runtime and standalone files. An interpreter translates code line-by-line during execution, which can be slower but allows for easier debugging and dynamic execution. Both are essential in different programming environments depending on performance and development needs.

What does a compiler do?

A compiler is a software developer role responsible for translating source code written in a programming language into machine code that a computer's processor can execute. This process involves analyzing, optimizing, and converting code to ensure it runs efficiently on hardware. Knowledge of programming languages, algorithms, and debugging tools is essential for this job.
What are the most commonly searched types of Compiler jobs in California? The most popular types of Compiler jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Compiler jobs in California? For Compiler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compiler jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Compiler jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Compiler jobs? Cities in California with the most Compiler job openings:
Compiler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compiler job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,720 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Compiler Engineer -- LLVM Backend

DensityAI

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
DensityAI is a company focused on AI accelerator programs, and they are seeking a Compiler Engineer to own LLVM backend development for their custom accelerator ISA. The role involves working with chip-design and software teams to drive the program from first silicon through scale-out.
Responsibilities:
• Own LLVM backend development for our custom accelerator ISA — instruction selection, register allocation, scheduling, and linker support across scalar, vector, and floating-point pipelines
• Use and develop AI-assisted tool flows to accelerate compiler development and performance tuning
Qualifications:
Required:
• Exceptional abilities in LLVM backend internals (TableGen, instruction selection, scheduling, register allocation)
• 5+ years of compiler engineering experience, with hands-on LLVM target development
• Strong understanding of computer architecture, ISA design, and compiler-hardware co-design
• Ability to debug correctness and performance regressions across the full compilation flow
Preferred:
• Custom-ISA bring-up
• MLIR experience
• GPU / accelerator backends
• linker / loader work
Company:
DensityAI is an infrastructure for data centers serving automotive, robotics, and industrial applications Founded in 2025, the company is headquartered in Mountain View, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

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