Principal Engineer, AI Compiler

Tenstorrent Inc.; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 139,000 - 697,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading AI technology firm is seeking a Compiler Development Lead to oversee TT-Forge, an MLIR-based compiler. The role requires extensive experience in compiler systems and proficiency in C++ and Python. You will collaborate cross-functionally to shape the future of AI computing, focusing on kernel-level optimizations. This position offers a hybrid work model located in Toronto, ON, with a competitive compensation range.

Benefits

Highly competitive compensation package

Comprehensive benefits

Equal opportunity employer

Qualifications

• Extensive experience building compilers or similar systems.
• Strong knowledge of MLIR or LLVM related infrastructure.
• Background in fast-paced engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Drive compiler development across multiple layers of the stack.
• Align with hardware, software, and ML teams.
• Provide technical ownership of roadmap priorities.

Skills

C++

Python

MLIR

LLVM

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

Job description

Overview

Tenstorrent is leading the industry on cutting-edge AI technology, revolutionizing performance expectations, ease of use, and cost efficiency. Our diverse team has developed a high performance RISC-V CPU and we are growing our team to build the best AI platform possible. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to solving hard problems. We are growing our team and looking for contributors of all seniorities.

Join the team revolutionizing AI computing at Tenstorrent. In this role you will lead development on TT-Forge, our MLIR-based compiler, and manage a team focused on scaling graph transformations, lowering passes, and kernel-level optimizations. You’ll help shape the future of AI computing through compiler technology that is fast, flexible, and built for real-world models.

This role is hybrid, based out of Toronto, ON.

We welcome candidates at various experience levels for this role. During the interview process, candidates will be assessed for the appropriate level, and offers will align with that level, which may differ from the one in this posting.

Who You Are

• Extensive experience building compilers or similar systems, with strong fluency in C++ and Python.
• Strong knowledge of MLIR, LLVM, or related infrastructure, with hands-on work in dialect design or optimization passes.
• You have a strong understanding of modern AI frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX, including how models are transformed and executed.
• A background in working across teams to ship reliable, scalable tools in fast-paced engineering environments.

What We Need

• Leadership to drive compiler development across multiple layers of the stack, including custom dialects, transformation passes, and runtime integration.
• Alignment with hardware, software, and ML teams to ensure the compiler supports realistic performance and deployment needs.
• Technical ownership of roadmap priorities, planning, and mentorship for a high-performing engineering team.
• Insight to identify bottlenecks, debug performance issues, and improve developer workflows across the stack.

What You Will Learn

• How to build compiler infrastructure that supports both training and inference at scale across custom chip architectures.
• New approaches for human-in-the-loop optimization using TT-Explorer and other internal tooling.
• Best practices for evolving MLIR dialects like TTIR, TTNN, and TTKernel to support next-generation AI workloads.
• How Tenstorrent delivers open, performant, and developer-friendly AI infrastructure that scales with industry demands.

Compensation for all engineers at Tenstorrent ranges from $100k - $500k including base and variable compensation targets. Experience, skills, education, background and location all impact the actual offer made.

Tenstorrent offers a highly competitive compensation package and benefits, and we are an equal opportunity employer.

This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicant being eligible to access U.S. export-controlled technology. Due to U.S. export laws, including those codified in the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Company is required to ensure compliance with these laws when transferring technology to nationals of certain countries. If employment is not possible due to U.S. export laws, any offer of employment will be rescinded.

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