Lead Software Optimization Engineer

Efficient is developing the world’s most energy-efficient general-purpose computer processor. Efficient’s patented technology uses 100x less energy than state of the art commercially available ultra-low-power processors and is programmable using standard high-level programming languages and AI/ML frameworks. This level of efficiency makes perpetual, pervasive intelligence possible: run AI/ML continuously on a AA battery for 5-10 years. Our platform’s unprecedented level of efficiency enables IoT devices to intelligently capture and curate first-party data to drive the next major computing revolution

Efficient’s Lead Software Optimization  Engineer will be responsible for  the day-to-day technical activities of our applications team, guiding development and performance maximization of applications for the world’s most energy-efficient programmable processor. They will collaborate across all teams, gathering requirements and information to develop software that fully harnesses the capabilities of Efficient’s cutting-edge processor architecture and demonstrate the value of this breakthrough technology. They will work closely with the digital design and compiler team to facilitate the creation of highly-optimized applications, libraries and firmware, while enabling Efficient’s customers to do the same. If you are an engineer who wants to play an integral role on an intensely skilled  team and wants to have an immediate impact building the next generation of energy-efficient products, this opportunity is for you!

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop applications for  Efficient’s programmable processor based on  customer requirements, specifications, and existing code
• Validate and measure the performance and energy of the processor on internal and competitor  hardware 
• Port existing software frameworks, such as TinyML, Yolo, and Jax, to Efficient’s hardware
• Work closely with the compiler team to test and refine the compiler’s feature set

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Must be an excellent software engineer with 7+ years of post-graduate experience OR similar experience with a PhD
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, Engineering or related field required; Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• Experience working directly with customers and managing the relationships
• Experience optimizing software for specific hardware architectures
• Excellent understanding  of computer architectures
• Ability to develop clean, efficient and reusable C/C++ code
• Experience developing and deploying applications under resource constraints
• Experience using non-standard build environments and compiler toolchains, especially for embedded systems
• Experience using industry standard development and debugging tools
• Strong attention to detail, good work ethic, ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, and good communication skills 
• Good problem solving skills; ability to develop solutions and ideas when faced with problems or issues.

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Proficiency in Python
• Experience building end-to-end ML models and deploying these models under severe resource constraints (e.g. limited memory)
• Experience writing software for FPGAs, GPUs, DSPs or other specialized hardware
• Prior experience bringing up new silicon
• Work performed for government contract customers may at times require U.S. Citizenship

We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $180,000 to $230,000, along with meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate.

Why Join Efficient?

At Efficient, we do not care about hierarchy—your impact is what matters. If you produce prodigious, high-quality work, you will be recognized and rewarded accordingly. We are a high-trust, high-output team where ownership and autonomy are paramount. If you are looking for a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of high-performance computing, let’s talk.

Efficient offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401K match, company-paid benefits, equity program, paid parental leave, and flexibility. We are committed to personal and professional development and strive to grow together as people and as a company.