Kernel Engineer

Cerebras; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity work environment

Continuous learning and support

Diverse team culture

Job summary

Cerebras is seeking a Kernel Engineer to develop high-performance software solutions for cutting-edge AI applications. In this role, you will implement and optimize deep learning operations leveraging Cerebras' unique processor architecture.

Your responsibilities will include developing specifications for machine learning kernels, debugging optimized routines, and collaborating with systems architects. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Computer Science or related fields and strong skills in C++ and Python programming.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or related fields.
• Comfortable learning new hardware architecture details.
• Strong debugging skills for complex software.

Responsibilities

• Develop specifications for ML and linear algebra kernels.
• Debug kernel library of optimized routines for Cerebras hardware.
• Measure software performance with mathematical analysis.
• Integrate testing methodologies for kernel libraries.
• Study trends in ML applications for library evolution.
• Collaborate with architects to optimize next-generation systems.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

Understanding of hardware architecture

Debugging skills

Library and API development best practices

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics

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

As a Kernel Engineer on our team, you will develop high‑performance software solutions at the intersection of hardware and software, developing high‑performance software for cutting‑edge AI and HPC workloads. Your focus will be on implementing, optimizing, and scaling deep learning operations to fully leverage our custom, massively parallel processor architecture.

You will be part of a world‑class team responsible for the design, performance tuning, and validation of foundational ML and HPC kernels. This includes building a library of parallel and distributed algorithms that maximize compute utilization and push the boundaries of training efficiency for state‑of‑the‑art AI models. Your work will be critical to unlocking the full potential of our hardware and accelerating the pace of AI innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop design specifications for new machine learning and linear algebra kernels and mapping to the Cerebras WSE System using various parallel programming algorithms.
• Develop and debug kernel library of highly optimized low‑level assembly instruction and C‑like domain specific language routines to implement algorithms targeting the Cerebras hardware system.
• Develop and debug high‑performance kernel routines in low‑level assembly and a custom C‑like (CSL) language, implementing algorithms optimized for the Cerebras hardware system.
• Using mathematical models and analysis to measure the software performance and inform design decisions.
• Develop and integrate unit and system testing methodologies to verify correct functionality and performance of kernel libraries.
• Study emerging trends in Machine Learning applications and help evolve Kernel library architecture to address computational challenges of the start‑of‑the‑art Neural Networks.
• Interact with chip and system architects to optimize instruction sets, microarchitecture, and IO of next generation systems.

Skills And Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD or foreign equivalents in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or related fields.
• Understanding of hardware architecture concepts — must be comfortable learning the details of a new hardware architecture.
• Skilled in C++ and Python programming languages.
• Good knowledge of library and/or API development best practices.
• Strong debugging skills and knowledge of debugging complex software stack.

Preferred Skills And Qualifications

• Experience in kernel development and/or testing.
• Familiarity with parallel algorithms and distributed memory systems.
• Experience in programming accelerators such as GPUs and FPGAs.
• Familiarity with Machine Learning neural networks and frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.
• Familiarity with HPC kernels and their optimization.

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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