Performance Modeling Engineer

About the role

Etched builds ASIC systems that deliver much higher performance than conventional AI chips, and is developing Sohu, an ASIC designed exclusively for transformers. As a Performance Modeling Engineer based in Cupertino, you will develop and own SoC functional models from architecture through deployment, collaborating with architecture, RTL design, verification, emulation and software teams.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and own SoC functional models from architecture to deployment, including integration with infrastructure, thorough testing and debugging.
• Collaborate with architecture, RTL design, design verification, emulation and software teams to ensure alignment and performance.
• Innovate tooling and infrastructure to improve usability for internal and external partners.
• Optimize model and infrastructure performance so it scales for real-world AI workloads.
• Create well-documented, maintainable and reusable software.
• Simulate the performance of existing and upcoming state-of-the-art Transformer models on the ASIC architecture versus alternatives such as GPUs and TPUs.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience in software development with data structures and algorithms.
• 5 years of experience developing and testing software models and simulations of shipping ASICs.
• 3 years of experience modeling SoC-relevant technologies such as DRAM, HBM, I2C, SPI and PCIe.
• Preferred: Master's or PhD in Computer Science or a related field, experience in computer architecture, SoC design and RTL languages, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Required skills

• Expert knowledge of functional modeling of ASICs (TPUs, GPUs, CPUs or equivalent accelerators).
• C++ for modeling, with Python for scripting and automation.
• Ability to bridge simulation and analysis of complex systems spanning physical links, memory, chip firmware and system software.
• Interest in transformer architecture and AI hardware/software co-design; machine learning experience is not required.

To apply, candidates submit their resume and cover letter through the company's careers page.