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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Nice to Have

• Experience with ML/AI workloads and frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, 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

Expected Outcomes in First 12 Months

• 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

Benefits

• At Quadric, we value Integrity, Humility, and Happiness. What we expect from one another is simple and clear: Initiative, Collaboration, and Completion. We are a collaborative team focused on building something extraordinary in the edge computing space.
• Competitive salary and meaningful equity
• Medical, dental, and vision plan options 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

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $270,000. This range reflects the full span of levels and geographies at which Quadric hires for this role. The actual base salary offered will depend on a number of factors, including the specific level of the role, years and depth of relevant experience, technical skills and competencies, the criticality of the role to the business, internal equity, and work location. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for equity and a discretionary annual performance bonus as applicable to the role and level.

Quadric also offers the generous benefits package outlined above and other programs designed to support your health and wellbeing.

Founded in 2016 and based in downtown Burlingame, California, Quadric is building the world’s first supercomputer designed for the real-time needs of edge devices. Quadric aims to empower developers in every industry with superpowers to create tomorrow’s technology, today. The company was co-founded by technologists from MIT and Carnegie Mellon, who were previously the technical co-founders of the Bitcoin computing company 21.

Quadric is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can do their best work. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not perfectly match every qualification. We value potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn just as much as direct experience. Skills and growth come in many forms, and we would love to hear your story.

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