ML Systems Engineer
Alpha Design AI · San Jose, CA · Santa Barbara, CA
Optimize the performance and efficiency of large language model inference that powers an agentic AI platform for chip design. Implement and benchmark inference optimizations, build evaluation harnesses, and architect multi-node clusters for training and inference.
What you'll do
- Design, deploy and optimize LLM inference systems across multi-node clusters
- Implement and benchmark concrete inference optimizations
- Profile inference bottlenecks from GPU kernels to memory bandwidth
- Build evaluation harnesses and benchmarking frameworks
- Collaborate with research scientists to integrate new model architectures into production
Requirements
- B.S., M.S., or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Experience with large-scale ML systems, GPU computing, or high-performance inference optimization
- Strong proficiency in Python and C++/CUDA
- Hands-on experience with SGLang, vLLM, PyTorch, or similar inference frameworks
- Deep understanding of GPU architecture, memory hierarchies, and parallel computing
- Experience deploying and optimizing LLMs in production
- Strong systems-level debugging and profiling skills
Nice to have
- Familiarity with distributed computing frameworks (Ray, multi-node training/inference)
Benefits
- Equity
- Unlimited PTO
- Medical, vision, dental insurance
- 401(k)
- Free parking
- Private gym
- Free lunch, drinks and snacks
Skills
Outlined skills are listed as required.
Full original description
About ChipAgents
ChipAgents is redefining the future of chip design and verification with agentic AI workflows. Our platform leverages cutting-edge generative AI to assist engineers in RTL design, simulation, and verification, dramatically accelerating chip development. Founded by experts in AI and semiconductor engineering, we partner with top semiconductor firms, cloud providers, and innovative startups to build intelligent AI agents. The company is a Series A company backed by tier-1 VC firms. ChipAgents is deployed in production to companies that have shipped 16B chips.
Position Overview
We are seeking an ML Systems Engineer to optimize the performance and efficiency of large language model inference powering our agentic AI platform. This is a technical role focused on low-level systems optimization. You will implement performance optimizations, build evaluation harnesses, and architect multi-node clusters for training and inference that push the limits of LLM throughput and latency. Your work will directly impact the responsiveness and cost-efficiency of AI agents used by leading semiconductor companies to design chips.
Key Responsibilities
Design, deploy, and optimize LLM inference systems across multi-node clusters, maximizing throughput and minimizing latency for production workloads.
Implement and benchmark concrete inference optimizations.
Profile and analyze inference bottlenecks at the systems level—from GPU kernel execution to memory bandwidth constraints.
Build robust evaluation harnesses and benchmarking frameworks that measure accuracy, throughput, latency, and resource utilization across various parallelism strategies.
Collaborate with research scientists to integrate new model architectures and optimizations into production inference infrastructure.
Investigate and apply emerging techniques from research papers and open-source projects to continuously improve inference performance.
Qualifications
B.S., M.S., or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience with large-scale ML systems, GPU computing, or high-performance inference optimization.
Strong proficiency in Python and C++/CUDA; hands-on experience with SGLang, vLLM, PyTorch, or similar inference frameworks.
Deep understanding of GPU architecture, memory hierarchies, and parallel computing paradigms.
Experience deploying and optimizing LLMs in production: model serving, batching strategies, distributed inference, or quantization.
Strong systems-level debugging and profiling skills; comfort working at multiple layers of the stack from CUDA kernels to application logic.
Familiarity with distributed computing frameworks (Ray, multi-node training/inference) is a plus.
Self-directed problem solver who is interested in working on ambitious optimization challenges.
Why Join Us
Work on cutting-edge LLM inference optimization problems with real-world production impact.
Access to substantial GPU compute resources for experimentation and benchmarking.
Collaborate with a world-class team spanning AI research, systems engineering, and EDA.
Shape the performance characteristics of AI systems used by leading semiconductor companies.
What we offer
$150K/yr – $350K/yr + Offers Equity. We are open to discuss above-scale compensation with exceptional candidates on a case-by-case basis.
Unlimited PTO and full benefits (medical, vision, dental, 401k).
Two engineering-centric offices with free parking, private gym, and free lunch, drinks and snacks.