Internship Performance Engineer Jobs in California

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.

The Role

As a Software Engineer Intern - Compiler, you will work closely with our senior compiler engineers on CGC, Quadric's neural network compiler that lowers to code targeting the Chimera GPNPU. You will dig into real compiler passes - layout selection, memory allocation, operator splitting, code generation - and see your changes flow end-to-end into the C++ that runs on Quadric silicon. This is a hands-on role where you will gain experience designing IR transformations, debugging generated code, and improving how efficiently neural networks map to hardware.

Note: Our preference is for this internship to be based out of our Burlingame, California office. Candidates should be based in the Bay Area or able to relocate for the internship period and available to work on site.

Responsibilities

• Develop & Implement: Help build and extend compiler passes that lower neural network IR to GPNPU-targeted code.
• Analyze & Debug: Diagnose compilation issues by tracing problems from generated C++ back through the pipeline. Use IR dumps and static analyses to investigate compilation failures and performance regressions.
• Code Optimization: Work alongside senior engineers to improve compiler decisions to reduce data movement and increase core utilization. -
• Collaborate: Partner with the kernel, hardware, and data science teams to align compiler features with real model requirements and hardware constraints.
• Toolchain Contribution: Contribute to test infrastructure, debugging utilities, and developer ergonomics across the CGC pipeline and runtime.

Requirements

Must-Haves:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in Python and C++.
• Foundational understanding of compiler concepts: intermediate representations, dataflow analysis, and transformation passes.
• Comfort reading and reasoning about large, unfamiliar codebases.
• Demonstrated capability in problem-solving, debugging, and clear technical communication.

Nice-to-Haves (Preferred Qualifications):

• Coursework or project experience with compilers, program analysis, or domain-specific languages.
• Exposure to ML compiler frameworks such as TVM, MLIR, XLA, Glow, or IREE.
• Familiarity with neural network quantization, fixed-point arithmetic, or numerical analysis.
• Experience with hardware-aware code generation for accelerators (GPU, DSP, NPU).
• Some exposure to assembly or low-level code generation.
• Previous internship experience in compilers, ML systems, or performance engineering.

Benefits

At Quadric, we value Integrity, Humility, and Happiness. What we expect from one another is simple and clear: Initiative, Collaboration, and Completion. We are a collaborative team focused on building something extraordinary in the edge computing space. 

The hourly rate for this temporary internship position is $45.00/hour to $60.00/hour. The actual rate offered will depend on a number of factors, including the specific level of the role, years and depth of relevant experience and education, technical skills and competencies, and work location. 

Quadric interns receive hands-on experience working alongside industry experts in AI and semiconductor technology, with access to mentorship and meaningful project ownership from day one.

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 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can do their best work. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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. Skills and growth come in many forms, and we would love to hear your story.

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