Senior Software Optimization Engineer

Efficient Computer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Company-paid benefits

Equity program

Paid parental leave

Flexibility

Job summary

A tech company focusing on energy-efficient processors is looking for a Senior Software Optimization Engineer. This role involves designing, optimizing, and deploying applications for a groundbreaking programmable processor. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in embedded systems, significant expertise in C/C++, and the ability to innovate under resource constraints. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $160,000 to $210,000 along with equity and comprehensive benefits, reflecting the company's commitment to professional growth.

Qualifications

• Must have 8+ years of embedded engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ with 3+ years of experience.
• Knowledge of embedded platforms like MSP430 or STM32.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement embedded applications based on specifications.
• Drive application optimization using the compiler and stack.
• Analyze performance and energy efficiency of applications.

Skills

Embedded systems expertise

C/C++ programming

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Tools

LLVM

GCC

Industry-standard development tools

Job description

Efficient is developing the world’s most energy-efficient general‑purpose computer processor. Efficient’s patented technology uses 100x less energy than state of the art commercially available ultra-low‑power processors and is programmable using standard high-level programming languages and AI/ML frameworks. This level of efficiency makes perpetual, pervasive intelligence possible: run AI/ML continuously on a AA battery for 5-10 years. Our platform’s unprecedented level of efficiency enables IoT devices to intelligently capture and curate first-party data to drive the next major computing revolution.

We are seeking a Senior Software Optimization Engineer to join our growing team. Efficient’s Senior Software Optimization Engineer will design, optimize, and deploy applications for the world’s most energy-efficient programmable processor (the “Fabric”). In this role, you will take ownership of complex, performance‑critical applications, working closely with Efficient’s compiler team to implement customer requirements, validate software quality, and provide deep technical insight into compiler interactions. This position is a unique opportunity to work on cutting‑edge hardware/software co‑design, while making an immediate impact in building the next generation of embedded applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design and implement complex embedded applications based on customer requirements, specifications, and existing code.
• Drive application optimization using Efficient’s compiler and software stack targeting the Fabric.
• Deploy and validate applications on the Fabric across software simulation and FPGA emulation environments.
• Own performance and energy‑efficiency analysis, developing benchmarks and methodologies to evaluate applications against customer requirements.
• Identify, reproduce, and distill issues into minimum‑viable test cases, conveying precise feedback to the compiler team.
• Collaborate deeply with the compiler team to test, debug, and refine compiler features.
• Contribute advanced optimizations to frameworks and libraries in domains such as DSP and machine learning.
• Provide architectural feedback based on hands‑on experience to influence both software and hardware evolution.

Required Qualifications & Experience Requirements

• Must be an excellent embedded engineer with 8+ years of work experience.
• 3+ years of C/C++ experience.
• Deep knowledge of at least one embedded platform, such as MSP430, STM32, Ambiq Apollo, PIC32, or similar.
• Experience developing and deploying applications under resource constraints.
• Experience using non‑standard build environments and compiler toolchains, especially for embedded systems.
• Experience using industry‑standard development and debugging tools for embedded development.
• Strong attention to detail, good work ethic, ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, and good communication skills.
• Good problem solving skills.

Desired Qualifications & Experience Requirements

• Experience using LLVM, MLIR, GCC, or a similar compiler framework to develop compiler passes.
• Experience building TinyML models and deploying models under severe resource constraints (e.g. limited memory).
• Experience writing optimized BLAS and DSP kernels.
• Knowledge of computer architecture.

We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $160,000 to $210,000, along with meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate.

Why Join Efficient?

Efficient offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401K match, company‑paid benefits, equity program, paid parental leave, and flexibility. We are committed to personal and professional development and strive to grow together as people and as a company.