Principal Software Engineer - Simulator Developer
A VC-backed, stealth-mode startup is building next-generation AI inference systems at the rack level, combining custom silicon with system-level innovation to dramatically improve efficiency for large-scale model serving.The team is focused on tightly integrated hardware–software co-design, enabling breakthroughs in performance and efficiency for modern AI workloads. This is an early-stage environment with strong technical leadership and significant ownership opportunities.Role OverviewThe team is seeking a Senior/Principal Software Engineer to develop and scale processor simulators and performance models that guide architectural decisions and accelerate hardware–software co-design.Depending on experience, this role can involve leading a small team or operating as a highly autonomous individual contributor, owning critical simulation infrastructure from concept through production.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, and maintain processor simulators (performance and/or functional models)Model key microarchitectural components, including: pipelines, memory hierarchy, interconnects, acceleratorsGenerate and curate workload traces for accurate performance analysisAnalyze simulation results to inform architecture tradeoffs and optimizationsCollaborate closely with architecture, hardware, and compiler teamsOwn and evolve simulation infrastructure in a fast-paced startup environmentRequired Qualifications5+ years of experience in software engineering, ideally in systems, architecture, or EDA domainsStrong programming skills in C/C++ and Python, with experience in large codebasesExperience with processor simulators, architectural modeling, or performance analysisSolid understanding of computer architecture and microarchitectureAbility to work independently and make technical decisions in an early-stage environmentPreferred QualificationsExperience with AI/ML accelerators, GPUs, or heterogeneous systemsFamiliarity with simulators such as gem5 or similar toolsBackground in hardware–software co-design or compilers