Advanced Technology: AI/ML Research Scientist

Cerebras Systems, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cerebras Systems, Inc. is seeking engineers for its Inference Core Platform group in Sunnyvale, California. This role involves building foundational software and hardware infrastructure to enhance AI inference performance on the Cerebras Wafer-Scale Engine.

Ideal candidates will have a strong programming background, particularly in Python and C++, and experience in developing automated systems. Join us to redefine AI applications and make a lasting impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ programming.
• Proven experience in building and scaling automated infrastructure.
• Strong background in throughput and performance optimization techniques, especially in complex, large-scale systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to dive deep into new domains.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement end-to-end telemetry systems across the software stack.
• Architect, build, and scale automation for performance data.
• Analyze system behavior and deliver actionable insights.
• Partner closely with Core Platform teams for rigorous testing methodologies.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in C++

Building automated infrastructure

Performance optimization techniques

Problem-solving skills

Analytical mindset

Ability to dive deep into new domains

Collaborative environment skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Engineering or related field

Job description

Cerebras Systems builds the world’s largest AI chip, 56 times larger than GPUs. This architecture allows Cerebras to deliver industry‑leading training and inference speeds; over 10 times faster than GPU‑based hyperscale cloud inference services.

This order of magnitude increase in speed is transforming the user experience of AI applications, unlocking real‑time iteration and increasing intelligence via additional agentic computation.

Cerebras works with the leading model labs, global enterprises, and cutting‑edge AI‑native startups. OpenAI recently announced a multi‑year partnership with Cerebras, to deploy 750 megawatts of scale, transforming key workloads with ultra high‑speed inference.

About the Role

The Inference Core Platform group is at the heart of Cerebras’ mission to deliver the world’s fastest AI inference. Our team builds the foundational software and hardware infrastructure that powers low‑latency, high‑speed, high‑throughput deployment on the Cerebras Wafer‑Scale Engine (WSE). We are responsible for the full stack—from model compilation and scheduling down to custom hardware kernels and driver development.

The ML Performance Benchmarking team plays a pivotal role in shaping the performance and scalability of AI inference on one of the most advanced computing systems ever built. We drive the bring‑up of core inference capabilities and deliver performance improvements at every stage of development—from early prototyping to production deployment.

We’re looking for passionate engineers to join us in redefining the limits of AI inference. If you thrive on building systems that measure, analyze, and optimize performance at scale, this is your opportunity to make a transformative impact on the future of AI.

Responsibilities

• Core Inference Observability – Design and implement end‑to‑end telemetry systems across the software stack, providing deep visibility into inference performance and enabling rapid iteration before and after deployment.

• Benchmarking Infrastructure – Architect, build, and scale the automation that generates, analyzes, and visualizes performance data used to inform business decisions across engineering and leadership.

• Performance Analysis – Dive deep into system behavior, dissect performance bottlenecks, and deliver actionable insights that directly influence which features ship and how they evolve.

• Feature Integration – Partner closely with Core Platform teams to define rigorous testing methodologies that validate inference features for peak performance.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.

• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ programming.

• Proven experience in building and scaling automated infrastructure.

• Strong background in throughput and performance optimization techniques, especially in complex, large‑scale systems.

• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.

• Demonstrated ability to dive deep into new domains.

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, ambiguous, and collaborative environment.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with problem‑solving at the intersection of hardware and software.

• Hands‑on experience with AI workloads and architectures is a plus.

Why Join Cerebras

People who are serious about software make their own hardware. At Cerebras, we have built a breakthrough architecture that is unlocking new opportunities for the AI industry. With dozens of model releases and rapid growth, we’ve reached an inflection point in our business. Members of our team tell us there are five main reasons they joined Cerebras:

1. Build a breakthrough AI platform beyond the constraints of the GPU.

2. Publish and open source their cutting‑edge AI research.

3. Work on one of the fastest AI supercomputers in the world.

4. Enjoy job stability with startup vitality.

5. Our simple, non‑corporate work culture that respects individual beliefs.

Find out more about what it's like to work at Cerebras here!

Apply today and become part of the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in AI!

Cerebras Systems is committed to creating an equal and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe inclusive teams build better products and companies. We try every day to build a work environment that empowers people to do their best work through continuous learning, growth and support of those around them.

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