Senior Performance Architect

Quadric has created an innovative general purpose neural processing unit (GPNPU) architecture. Quadric's co-optimized software and hardware is targeted to run neural network (NN) inference workloads in a wide variety of edge and endpoint devices, ranging from battery operated smart-sensor systems to high-performance automotive or autonomous vehicle systems. Unlike other NPUs or neural network accelerators in the industry today that can only accelerate a portion of a machine learning graph, the Quadric GPNPU executes both NN graph code and conventional C++ DSP and control code.

As a Senior Performance Architect, you will be the critical link between software and hardware, responsible for understanding how code executes on Quadric s architecture and identifying opportunities for optimization. You will analyze workloads from high-level C++ and Python down through generated assembly to pinpoint performance bottlenecks. This is a hands-on role: beyond analysis, you will prototype solutions yourself - whether that means writing optimized code, modifying compiler passes, or building proof-of-concept implementations to validate proposed fixes before handing off to the appropriate team for productization.

This role requires regular work from the Quadric office in Burlingame, CA, a minimum of 2–3 days per week, with some weeks requiring more days onsite based on business needs. Candidates must be able to commute to the office.

• Analyze application performance across the full stack: C++/Python source, compiler output, assembly, and hardware execution
• Identify and localize performance bottlenecks to specific code regions, assembly sequences, or architectural limitations
• Implement proof-of-concept fixes and optimizations to validate proposed solutions before broader rollout
• Develop and maintain profiling infrastructure, benchmarks, and performance regression tests
• Collaborate with compiler engineers to improve code generation and optimization passes
• Work with hardware architects to identify microarchitectural improvements and validate performance models
• Create performance models that predict workload behavior and guide optimization priorities
• Document findings and communicate performance insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Support customer engagements by analyzing their workloads and recommending optimizations

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of performance analysis experience
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python; ability to read, reason about, and write optimized code at the assembly level
• Hands-on mentality: comfortable implementing proof-of-concept solutions, not just identifying problems
• Deep understanding of computer architecture: pipelines, caches, memory hierarchies, SIMD/vector execution
• Experience with profiling tools (perf, VTune, custom trace analysis) and performance debugging methodologies
• Ability to trace performance issues from application behavior down to microarchitectural root causes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills; ability to explain complex performance issues to diverse audiences
• Experience working cross-functionally with compiler, runtime, and hardware teams

• Experience with ML/AI workloads and frameworks (PyTorch, Tensor Flow, ONNX)
• Background in compiler development or code generation
• Experience with GPU, DSP, or custom accelerator architectures
• Familiarity with cycle-accurate simulation and performance modeling tools

• Establish systematic performance analysis methodology and tooling for Quadric's software stack
• Identify and drive resolution of top performance bottlenecks in key customer workloads
• Build performance models that accurately predict workload behavior within 10-15% of actual measurements
• Become the go-to expert for performance questions spanning the hardware/software boundary

• Competitive salary and meaningful equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible paid time off (unlimited, non-accrual) to support work-life balance
• When working in-office, enjoy company-provided lunches and a stocked kitchen
• Convenient office location within walking distance of the Caltrain station
• Support for commuting, including monthly parking or Caltrain passes
• Downtown Burlingame office location, close to shops, cafes, and local amenities
• A politics-free, highly collaborative environment where talented people can do their best work and make an immediate impact
• The opportunity to build long-term career relationships in a company that values strong personal connections alongside professional excellence