The Role
Design, develop, and operate high-performance distributed software for large-scale AI/ML training. Optimize kernel and accelerator code, tune communication libraries (NCCL, MPI, UCX, RCCL, RDMA), support ML frameworks (PyTorch, MegatronLM, DeepSpeed), and contribute to scheduling/orchestration (Slurm, Kubernetes). Collaborate with researchers, hardware vendors, and open-source communities to debug and improve performance across the stack.
Summary Generated by Built In
About the Institute of Foundation Models
We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.
As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the core of cutting-edge foundation model training, alongside world-class researchers, data scientists, and engineers, tackling the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI development. You will participate in the development of groundbreaking AI solutions that have the potential to reshape entire industries. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will be instrumental in establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire the next generation of AI pioneers.
The Role
IFM is building the foundational compute infrastructure that will power tomorrow’s breakthroughs in AI and computational science. We’re looking for a High Performance Computing Software Engineer to help us design, develop, and operate the software systems that run our large-scale AI workloads.
In this role, you’ll work at the intersection of high-performance computing and machine learning. You’ll be part of a team responsible for crafting the software stack that enables training of cutting-edge ML models—spanning 1000+ GPUs—and ensuring our infrastructure is robust, performant, and developer-friendly.
Job Responsibilities
- Design and implement high-performance, distributed software solutions for large-scale AI/ML training.
- Optimize low-level system components including Linux kernel, GPU/accelerator kernels, and interconnects.
- Develop and tune communication libraries such as NCCL, MPI, UCX, RCCL, and RDMA-based systems.
- Partner with ML researchers and engineers to support frameworks like PyTorch, MegatronLM, and DeepSpeed in large-scale production environments.
- Contribute to our scheduling, orchestration, and job management systems, including Slurm and Kubernetes.
- Debug and resolve complex issues across the stack—from kernel to container to model.
- Work closely with hardware vendors, upstream open-source communities, and internal teams to drive performance and reliability improvements.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience developing and optimizing software for large-scale ML workloads (1000+ GPUs preferred).
- Deep understanding of Linux kernel internals and accelerator (GPU) kernel development.
- Proficiency with distributed communication libraries (e.g., NCCL, RCCL, MPI, UCX, SHARP, Libfabric).
- Experience with ML frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, or MegatronLM.
- Strong knowledge of HPC job scheduling and orchestration tools (e.g., Slurm, Kubernetes, Pyxis).
- Excellent debugging and systems performance tuning skills.
- A collaborative mindset with a focus on shared success and technical excellence.
Skills Required
- Experience developing and optimizing software for large-scale ML workloads
- Experience with 1000+ GPU scale training
- Deep understanding of Linux kernel internals
- GPU/accelerator kernel development experience
- Proficiency with distributed communication libraries (NCCL, RCCL, MPI, UCX, SHARP, Libfabric)
- Experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, MegatronLM, DeepSpeed)
- Strong knowledge of HPC scheduling and orchestration tools (Slurm, Kubernetes, Pyxis)
- Excellent debugging and systems performance tuning skills
- Ability to work with hardware vendors and upstream open-source communities
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The Company
What We Do
First a passion, then an idea transformed into success – when it comes to pioneering automation and digitalisation technology, the ifm group is the ideal partner. Since its foundation in 1969, ifm has developed, produced and sold sensors, controllers, software and systems for industrial automation and for SAP-based solutions for supply chain management and shop floor integration worldwide. As one of the pioneers of Industry 4.0, ifm develops and implements consistent solutions to digitalise the entire value chain “from sensor to ERP”. Today, the second-generation family-run ifm group has more than 8,750 employees and is one of the worldwide market leaders. The group combines the internationality and innovative strength of a growing group of companies with the flexibility and close customer contact of a medium-sized company.
