Staff Compiler Engineer
$151,000–$185,000 year
HybridLos Altos, California, United States
Job Summary
Own the technical vision and architecture for the Mojo compiler backend, driving IR lowering, optimization passes, and code generation across CPUs, GPUs, and emerging AI accelerators. Lead complex compiler initiatives spanning MLIR, LLVM, and custom backend technologies while defining scalable architectures for future hardware targets. Serve as the technical leader for backend compiler engineering by driving design reviews, establishing engineering standards, and mentoring teammates. Design and implement compiler optimizations informed by real-world performance analysis, profiling data, and workload characteristics. Lead the evolution of Mojo's debugging and developer tooling ecosystem, including LLDB integration, profiling, debug information, language tooling, and next-generation developer workflows. Partner closely with engineers across the Mojo language, MAX, kernel, runtime, hardware enablement, and AI infrastructure teams to deliver a unified compiler platform. Collaborate with Developer Relations and the open-source community to gather feedback, shape technical direction, and support external contributors. Mentor engineers across the compiler organization, helping them grow technically while fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
Required Qualifications
- Deep hands-on experience building production compilers, including IR design, optimization passes, lowering pipelines, and code generation.
- Strong expertise with both LLVM and MLIR, including dialect development, conversion pipelines, optimization infrastructure, and backend code generation.
- Demonstrated technical leadership as a senior individual contributor, driving architecture, influencing technical direction, and mentoring engineers without formal management responsibilities.
- Expert-level C++ and strong Python proficiency.
- Experience building or extending debugger infrastructure, particularly within the LLDB or GDB ecosystem.
- Experience developing language tooling, such as language servers (LSP), IDE integrations, or other developer productivity tools.
- Strong understanding of modern CPU and GPU architectures, compiler performance optimization, and systems-level programming.
- Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate across distributed engineering teams.
- Candidates based in the US, Canada, and Edinburgh are welcome to apply.
- Those in earlier career stages work in a hybrid capacity at our Los Altos, CA or Edinburgh office (minimum two days per week on-site), with relocation assistance available for eligible candidates.
- Senior engineers have both remote and in-office flexibility.
- All new hires complete onboarding in person.
- Traveling 2-4 times a year is expected for all roles.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience contributing to open-source compiler projects or developer-facing SDKs.
- Experience partnering directly with users and developer communities to influence product direction.
- Expertise with profiling and performance analysis tools such as Linux perf, LLVM XRay, VTune, or equivalent.
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