SW Optimization Engineer AI/ML

Apple Inc.; Cupertino, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino seeks a performance-focused engineer to analyze workloads, identify bottlenecks, and propose hardware/software improvements for Apple Silicon.

You will implement optimized ML workloads on Apple Silicon, collaborate with system teams to model performance, and contribute optimized libraries and tooling for AI/ML applications.

This role requires strong C/C++ and Python skills and experience in performance optimization across CPU, GPU, and neural accelerators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience in software development for AI/ML HW accelerators, GPUs processing units, image/video encoders, or similar.
• Experience with AI/ML, graphics, or HPC performance benchmarks and workloads.
• MS/PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct performance studies to inform and validate architecture decisions.
• Create optimized implementations of machine learning workloads on Apple Silicon, including Neural Engine, GPU, and CPU.
• Collaborate with system teams to create performance models of emerging AI/ML techniques and analyze system architecture trade-offs.
• Work with software development tools teams to deliver performance analysis instruments and optimized libraries and frameworks for AI/ML applications.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python scripting

AI/ML performance

Graphics / HPC benchmarks

Education

Bachelors in Computer Engineering or Computer Science

MS/PhD in CS/CE/EE

Tools

PyTorch

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

At Apple, our Platform Architecture group is responsible for connecting our hardware and software into one unified system. You'll collaborate with engineers across Apple to design how all of our technologies work in unison, drive development of our renowned system-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture, and develop forward-looking prototype systems and software. Our team is driving performance enhancements in application and system software and developing novel algorithms to deliver integrated, highly optimized solutions based on Apple Silicon.

Description

In this role, you will analyze existing and new workloads to identify performance bottlenecks in the hardware and/or software. Working with your colleagues, you'll address performance limitations and provide recommendations for Apple hardware and software improvements. In addition to working directly with developers, you will identify patterns of performance challenges on Apple silicon, emerging new usage models, and provide feedback to the silicon and software teams for potential improvements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct performance studies to inform and validate architecture decisions.
• Create optimized implementations of machine learning workloads on Apple Silicon, including Neural Engine, GPU, and CPU.
• Collaborate with system teams to create performance models of emerging AI/ML techniques and analyze system architecture trade-offs.
• Work with software development tools teams to deliver performance analysis instruments and optimized libraries and frameworks for AI/ML applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent job-related experience in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience in software development for at least one of the following hardware IPs: AI/ML HW accelerators, GPUs processing units, image/video encoders, or similar.
• Experience with AI/ML, graphics, or HPC performance benchmarks and workloads.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in software performance optimization, performance analysis tools, performance optimization process and development of efficient computational algorithms.
• Knowledge of computer architecture fundamentals.
• Proficiency in some of the C/C++ family programming languages, and scripting languages such as Python.
• Ability to prototype and benchmark algorithms on CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine platforms, analyze performance metrics, and create high-level complexity models, or develop targeted highly efficient low-level performance libraries for AI/ML accelerators or GPUs.
• Proficiency in popular AI/ML frameworks, such as PyTorch, and relevant software stacks.
• Knowledge of operating system internals and compiler technologies.
• Technical aptitude and curiosity, as well as ability to collaborate effectively with team members, partners, and stakeholders.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You'll find that idea reflected in everything here - in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.