Lead Kernel Engineer/Architect, Rijswijk

We're looking for a Lead Kernel Engineer/Architect to join our team in the Netherlands in a hybrid working mode.Are you passionate about pushing advanced hardware accelerators to their limits? Join us in shaping the future of AI performance and scalability.As a Lead Kernel Engineer/Architect, you will drive the optimization of critical machine learning operations for large-scale training and inference, working with cutting-edge hardware like TPUs and GPUs, advanced ML models and performance toolchains. Your work will enable faster AI research and production deployments on cloud platforms and within open-source ecosystems.In this role, you will collaborate with researchers, compiler engineers and framework developers to deliver optimized, high-performance solutions that set the standard for modern AI computation.ResponsibilitiesDesign and optimize high-performance kernels for TPU and GPU architectures using low-level programming frameworks such as Pallas, Triton or MosaicBuild and maintain performance infrastructure, including benchmarking suites, autotuning systems, regression testing frameworks and toolingCollaborate with ML framework developers (e.g., JAX, PyTorch) and compiler teams (XLA/MLIR) to integrate custom kernels and reduce performance bottlenecksTrack advancements in accelerator hardware, compiler technology and AI model design to identify opportunities for kernel-level optimizationDevelop clear documentation, APIs and supporting OSS components that improve developer usability and adoptionAnalyze and resolve complex performance issues impacting large-scale distributed training and inference systemsRequirementsBachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience12+ years of industry experience in software engineering or systems programming5+ years of experience in software development using C++ or Python3+ years of experience in testing, maintaining or launching software products and at least 1 year in softwaredesign or architectureHands-on experience in performance optimization at the kernel level for accelerators or high-performance systemsNice to haveProficiency in low-level accelerator programming (CUDA, Triton, Pallas)Familiarity with ML frameworks such as JAX or PyTorch and optimization techniquesfor attention layers, Mixture of Experts (MoE) and precision tuningStrong understanding of modern hardware accelerators, including pipelining, data movement and heterogeneous computeKnowledge of compiler principles and intermediate representations (e.g., MLIR, OpenXLA)Experience building OSS developer infrastructure, APIs and performance-critical librariesExcellent problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate in cross-functional engineering environmentsWe offer26 paid holiday daysPension plan schemeDisability insurance (WGA Shortfall insurance)Long-term disability insurance (WIA Top up insurance)EPAM Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Commuting to work - costs reimbursementLaptop + corporate simcard + corporate mobile device (subject to certain eligibility requirements)Bike leaseEmployee Assistance ProgramCorporate Programs including Employee Referral Program with rewardsLearning and development opportunities including in-house training and coaching, professional certifications, and courses#J-18808-Ljbffr