Senior Machine Learning Engineer - AI Foundation

XPENG; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 174,720 - 295,680; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Supportive work environment

Snacks, lunches, and fun activities

Job summary

XPENG is seeking a full-time Machine Learning Engineer - AI Foundation in Santa Clara, California. The role involves optimizing transformer models for autonomous driving solutions while working alongside a talented team.

Ideal candidates will have a Master's in Computer Science or equivalent, along with strong expertise in PyTorch, programming in Python and C++. Competitive compensation and a supportive work environment are provided.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of industry experience in machine learning or software engineering.
• Strong knowledge of optimizing transformer models.
• Experience with deployment across diverse hardware.

Responsibilities

• Optimize transformer-based LLMs for low-latency and high-throughput inference.
• Deploy optimized models across GPUs, CPUs, and edge accelerators.
• Contribute to internal tooling and documentation for model optimization.

Skills

PyTorch

Programming in Python

Programming in C++

Transformer architecture knowledge

Education

Master in CS/CE/EE or equivalent

Tools

CUDA

Triton

Torchscript

Nvidia TensorRT

Job description

XPENG is a leading smart technology company at the forefront of innovation, integrating advanced AI and autonomous driving technologies into its vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and robotics. With a strong focus on intelligent mobility, XPENG is dedicated to reshaping the future of transportation through cutting‑edge R&D in AI, machine learning, and smart connectivity.

We are looking for a full‑time Machine Learning Engineer - AI Foundation, with deep knowledge and strong enthusiasm towards establishing a state‑of‑art ML infrastructure for training very large foundation models and accelerating model training/inference.

Our mission is to solve the autonomous driving problem. You will work with a team of talented software engineers, machine learning engineers and research scientists to push the boundary of state‑of‑art machine learning models which will enable the next‑generation E2E solution of autonomous driving.

Job Responsibilities

• Optimize transformer‑based LLMs for low‑latency and high‑throughput inference.
• Optimize kernels and model graphs using tools like CUDA, Triton, and custom fused operators.
• Implement and benchmark (Quantization, Knowledge distillation, structured and unstructured pruning, KV‑cache optimization, etc.).
• Deploy optimized models across GPUs, CPUs, and edge accelerators.
• Contribute to internal tooling and documentation for model optimization flows.

Minimum Skill Requirements

• Master in CS/CE/EE, or equivalent, with 3+ years of industry experience.
• Good knowledge of PyTorch.
• Knowledge of transformer architecture and ways to accelerate the training and inference of transformer models.

Preferred Skill Requirements

• Previous experience in the autonomous driving industry.
• Knowledge of Torchscript and Nvidia TensorRT.
• Strong programming skills in Python and C++.
• Familiarity with GPU, CPU, NPU, DSP architecture.
• Deep understanding of memory bandwidth, compute bottlenecks, and hardware‑aware model optimization.
• Being efficiently in solving complex problems collaboratively on larger teams.

What do we provide

• A fun, supportive and engaging environment.
• Infrastructures and computational resources to support your work.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technologies with the top talents in the field.
• Opportunity to make significant impact on the transportation revolution by advancing autonomous driving.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Snacks, lunches, dinners, and fun activities.

The base salary range for this full‑time position is $174,720 - $295,680, in addition to bonus, equity and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status or marital status or any other prescribed category set forth in federal or state regulations.