Staff Systems Design Engineer

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHINGAt AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career. SENIOR SYSTEMS DESIGN ENGINEER We are seeking a Senior Systems Design Engineer to develop and optimize ML operator kernels and dataflow pipelines for AMD's NPU platform. You will own the full lifecycle of ML operators — from kernel implementation and performance analysis to ONNX Runtime integration and NPU hardware integration. You will work with the very latest hardware and software technology as part of a core team of industry specialists. You will have full-stack visibility — from operator kernel development to silicon validation — on AMD's NPU shipping in millions of PCs. There are opportunities to publish and patent your work.The PersonThe ideal candidate combines deep systems-level expertise with hands-on ML inference experience. You thrive at the hardware-software boundary, are comfortable profiling and optimizing low-level code, and can drive complex cross-functional debug efforts to resolution.Job DetailsLocation: San Jose, CA, USOnsite/Hybrid: This role requires the candidate to work full time (40 hours a week), either in a hybrid or onsite work structure.What You Will Be DoingDesign and optimize NPU ML operator kernels and dataflow libraries across multiple datatypes (Int8, FP8, FP16, BF16)Profile operator and end-to-end model latency; identify bottlenecks and drive performance improvementsIntegrate and validate ML models within the ONNX Runtime framework on NPUDebug and resolve issues across the NPU compiler stack — from kernel correctness to system-level model accuracyDevelop tiling strategies and optimize DMA data movement for on-chip memory utilizationPerform roofline analysis and build performance models to guide kernel optimizationCollaborate with silicon teams on hardware-software co-design for next-generation NPUWho We Are Looking ForProgramming Languages: Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python; experience with multithreading and concurrencyML Knowledge: Familiarity with ML operators (GeMM, Conv, Softmax, Attention) and inference frameworks (PyTorch, ONNX Runtime)System Knowledge: Understanding of computer architecture, memory hierarchies, cache behavior, and low-level hardware APIsTools & Platforms: Proficiency with Git, debuggers, and profilers; experience with Linux development environmentsPreferred:Exposure to MLIR/LLVM compiler infrastructureExperience with NPU/GPU/accelerator kernel development or SDK integrationFamiliarity with quantization techniques (INT8, FP8) and accuracy debuggingExperience with spatial architectures, systolic arrays, or dataflow acceleratorsTrack record of publications or patents in ML systems, compilers, or computer architectureKEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Drive technical innovation in NPU kernel and dataflow development, including tooling, benchmarks, and methodology improvementsDebug and root-cause issues spanning silicon bring-up, validation, and production phases of SOC programsCoordinate cross-functionally with compiler, runtime, and hardware teams to ensure features are validated and performance targets are met on scheduleContribute to hardware/software co-design by engaging in modeling frameworks and architectural trade-off analysis   ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS: Masters or PhD degree in electrical or computer engineering EXPERIENCE: 3+ years of relevant industry experience with Masters or PhD degree.This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.#HYBRIDBenefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.This posting is for an existing vacancy.