Principal Software Development Engineer

Advanced Micro Devices; Santa Clara, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AMD is seeking a strategic software engineering lead to improve the performance of key applications and benchmarks. You will join a core team of specialists and work with the latest hardware and software technologies.

The role emphasizes leadership, effective communication across teams, and hands-on development with customers to drive projects from proof of concept to production.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience with GPU kernel programming using CUDA or HIP.
• Experience with open-source software development and community contributions.

Responsibilities

• Understand customer requirements and identify opportunities for AMD hardware/software value.
• Close gaps in the AMD software stack to support customer solutions.
• Optimize collective communication primitives on GPU accelerators (NCCL/RCCL).
• Develop side-by-side with customers from proof of concept to production.
• Translate customer needs into actionable feedback for AMD's AI roadmap.
• Apply data-driven analysis to target optimization efforts.
• Debug and research alternative, more efficient approaches.
• Stay informed of software/hardware trends relevant to algorithms/architecture.

Skills

C/C++

Python

CUDA

HIP

LLM frameworks

Client engagement

Open-source

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

CUDA

HIP

Job description

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.

At AMD, we believetechnology has the power to solve the world’s most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMDis shapingthefuture.

Whetheryou’redesigning next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, orbringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger— technologythat moves the world forward.Join us and, together, we’ll advance your career.

THE ROLE:

AMD is looking for a strategic software engineering lead who is passionate about improving the performance of key applications and benchmarks. You will be a member of a core team of incredibly talented industry specialists and will work with the very latest hardware and software technology.

THE PERSON:

The ideal candidate should be passionate about software engineering and possess leadership skills to drive sophisticated issues to resolution. Able to communicate effectively and work optimally with different teams across AMD.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with strategic customers to understand their requirements challenges and identify opportunities for AMD hardware and software to provide value
• Close gaps in the AMD software stack needed to support customer solutions
• Optimizing collective communication primitives on GPU accelerators (NCCL/RCCL)
• Work hands-on as a technical expert and creative problem-solver, developing side-by-side with customers to drive projects from proof of concept to production
• Act as the voice of the customer, translating their needs and your on-the-ground insights into actionable feedback that shapes the future of AMD's AI roadmap
• Use Agentic AI to enhance productivity, automate workflows, and improve operational efficiency
• Thrive in unfamiliar territory with a high degree of autonomy, finding novel ways to apply AMD technology to real-world problems
• Apply a data minded approach to target optimization efforts
• Debugging/fix existing issues and research alternative, more efficient ways to accomplish the same work
• Stay informed of software and hardware trends and innovations, especially pertaining to algorithms and architecture

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python
• Ability to write high quality code with a keen attention to detail
• Experience with GPU kernel programming using CUDA or HIP
• Expertise with modern LLM serving frameworks (e.g., vLLM, SGLang)
• Experience in implementing and optimizing attention and KV-cache primitives on GPU accelerators
• Strong performance analysis and optimization skills for both CPU and GPU
• A track record of direct Client Engagement with experience working with customers to solve ambiguous technical problems
• Experience with open-source software development including collaboration with community maintainers and submitting contributions
• Experience providing clear and timely communication related to status and other key aspects of the project to the executive leadership team
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Motivating leader with good interpersonal skill

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor’s, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.