Principal Software Engineer - Compilers

Job Title

Principal Software Engineer - Compilers

Role Summary

Lead design and implementation of the front-end of an AI/ML compiler for NXP's Kinara Group, focusing on scalable model conversion pipelines that translate ONNX, TensorFlow, and PyTorch models into the product internal IR for edge inference.

Work closely with backend, runtime, performance, and hardware teams to deliver a production-ready compiler and toolchain for Ara AI inference processors.

Experience Level

Senior — requires 10+ years of relevant experience in compiler development, ML systems, or AI infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include architecting the front-end, building conversion tooling, and delivering optimization pipelines and validation infrastructure.

• Design and develop compiler front-end architecture and model conversion frameworks.
• Build and maintain Python-based converters for ONNX, TensorFlow, and PyTorch.
• Implement graph construction, IR lowering, and optimization passes (fusion, canonicalization, decomposition).
• Design scalable pattern-matching and graph-rewrite frameworks.
• Enable and validate support for CNNs, Transformers, and LLMs.
• Drive validation, regression testing, CI/CD integration, and debug conversion/IR issues.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience.

• 10+ years in compiler development, ML systems, or AI infrastructure.
• Strong Python programming and software architecture skills.
• Deep knowledge of IRs, graph-based computation models, compiler transformations, and pattern matching/graph rewriting.
• Hands-on experience with ONNX, TensorFlow, and PyTorch; graph parsing and ML model optimizations.
• Familiarity with CNNs, Transformers, and LLM architectures.
• Excellent debugging, problem-solving, and technical leadership abilities.

Nice-to-have: experience with MLIR/TOSA/StableHLO/Torch-MLIR; familiarity with IREE, TVM, XLA, TensorRT, or ONNX Runtime; experience targeting GPUs/NPUs/DSPs or custom accelerators; quantization and deployment workflows.

Education Requirements

The posting references Ph.D. research in the company's background, but it does not specify required degrees, fields of study, certifications, or an equivalent-experience clause for applicants.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.