AI/Machine Learning Engineer (Embedded Systems, Inference Efficiency)

Qualcomm; Markham; On-site; CAD 114,400 - 164,400; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Canada ULC is seeking a researcher to advance on-device AI, focusing on inference efficiency, model compression, and ML system optimization. You will lead high-impact research, study hardware–software interactions, and collaborate with global teams to push Qualcomm AI accelerator capabilities.

The role demands deep expertise in neural networks, compression techniques, and compiler-driven optimization, with strong programming and ML framework experience.

Qualifications

• Proven research excellence on inference efficiency and ML systems.
• Deep expertise in neural networks and model compression techniques.
• Strong background in compiler stack and ML system optimization.
• Solid programming skills with ML frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in inference efficiency and ML system optimization.
• Prototype system solutions with software–hardware co-design for AI accelerators.
• Collaborate to convert research into production-ready low power AI solutions.
• Influence accelerator features and model deployment strategies.

Skills

Inference efficiency

ML system optimization

Model compression

Neural network architectures

Compiler stack

Graph transformation

Tensor memory optimization

ML frameworks

On-device deployment

Education

PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

MS with AI research

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/IS

Tools

ML frameworks

Model development pipelines

Job description

Company:

Qualcomm Canada ULC

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Engineering

General Summary:

As a member of the Low Power AI Solution team, you will conduct advanced research on model efficiency, model compression techniques, and ML system optimization to push the boundaries of efficient on‑device inference. You will lead and contribute to high-impact research initiatives, understand hardware–software interactions at a fundamental level, and collaborate with global teams to develop systems that shape future Qualcomm AI accelerator capabilities. New Position

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in inference efficiency and ML system optimization: efficient architecture design, model compression, PEFT, compiler stack optimization etc.
• Prototype and develop system solutions with software–hardware co-design to align architectural choices, dataflows, and memory behavior with Qualcomm’s low-power AI accelerators for optimal model deployment
• Collaborate closely with modeling, compiler, and hardware teams to convert research into production-ready low power AI solutions, enabling real-world applications and commercial impact.
• Influence future accelerator features and model deployment and contribute to Qualcomm’s strategic initiatives in efficient AI and embedded intelligence.

Requirements

• Proven research excellence on inference efficiency and ML system, demonstrated by publications, community contributions, or equivalent evidence of impact.
• Deep expertise in neural network architectures, model compression (e.g., quantization, pruning, knowledge distillation) and efficient inference algorithm
• Strong background on compiler stack and ML system optimization for AI accelerators (e.g., graph transformation, graph tiling and scheduling, tensor layout/memory optimization)
• Strong understanding of Machine Learning fundamentals, strong programming skills with ML frameworks
• Hands‑on experience with model development pipelines for AI accelerator, including training, fine‑tuning, evaluation, and performance optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields or MS with AI research, or related work experience.
• Extensive experience in deep learning research and impactful publications in top‑tier machine learning venues (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, ICCV, ACL, EMNLP etc.).
• Experience in on‑device model deployment and optimization algorithms for AI hardware accelerators
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders and ability to communicate complex outcomes to a wide range of audiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 1+ year of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.

Applicants: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer.

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You may e-mail [e-mail] or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here.

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Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:

• $114,400.00 - $164,400.00
• The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted.
• Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm.
• We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus).
• In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play.