New Grad Kernel Engineer - ML & HPC Systems

Foundation Capital; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Cerebras Systems is seeking a Kernel Engineer in Sunnyvale to develop high-performance software for ML and HPC workloads on the Cerebras Wafer-Scale Engine.

You will implement, optimize, and validate ML kernels, map workloads to the custom architecture, and collaborate across kernel, compiler, perf, and hardware teams. This role targets new graduates and those interested in computer architecture and system software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong programming fundamentals in C++ and familiarity with Python.
• Understanding of foundational computer architecture concepts such as processors, memory hierarchies, instruction execution, or data movement.
• Knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software development fundamentals.
• Experience debugging software through coursework, internships, research, co-op placements, or technical projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in low-level software, parallel computing, performance optimization, or hardware/software co-design.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar systems and collaborate effectively within a technical team.

Responsibilities

• Help design and implement machine learning and linear algebra kernels for the Cerebras Wafer-Scale Engine.
• Develop and debug high-performance kernel routines using the Cerebras Software Language, a custom C-like language.
• Apply parallel programming algorithms to map computational workloads efficiently onto the Cerebras architecture.
• Use mathematical analysis, performance data, and profiling tools to evaluate kernel behavior and inform design decisions.
• Identify and investigate correctness, performance, and hardware utilization issues.
• Develop unit tests and system-level validation methodologies to verify the functionality and performance of kernel libraries.
• Collaborate with kernel, compiler, performance, and hardware engineers to improve software and system performance.
• Study emerging machine learning workloads and contribute to the evolution of the kernel library.
• Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and software development processes.
• Build an understanding of the Cerebras architecture, instruction set, memory system, and communication model.

Skills

C++

Python

Computer Architecture

Data Structures

Debugging

Parallel Computing

System Programming

Analytical Thinking

Learning New Systems

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in CS/CE/EE/Math

Tools

Cerebras Software Language

CUDA

OpenCL

PyTorch

Job description

Cerebras Systems is seeking a Kernel Engineer in Sunnyvale to develop high-performance software for ML and HPC workloads on the Cerebras Wafer-Scale Engine.

You will implement, optimize, and validate ML kernels, map workloads to the custom architecture, and collaborate across kernel, compiler, perf, and hardware teams. This role targets new graduates and those interested in computer architecture and system software.