Intern, ML Compiler (Kernel Auto-Tuning)

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Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you'll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what's possible and powering the future.

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We're dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we're building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

What You'll Learn

• Project Overview: Build a cost-model-guided auto-tuning framework for PyTorch and Triton kernels on Samsung's compute-near-memory AI accelerator, and make it placement-aware, so that each kernel is tuned for where its data lives. You'll connect it to torch.compile and measure the gains on LLM inference.
• Skills You'll Learn:
• Performance optimisation for a cache-less, DMA-driven accelerator: search spaces, legality rules and cost models
• PyTorch compiler internals (torch.compile, FX, Inductor autotuning) and Triton kernel compilation
• Benchmarking and profiling LLM inference kernels (GEMM, attention) on simulators and hardware

What You'll Do

Our ML Compiler team builds the software that runs PyTorch models on Samsung's compute-near-memory AI accelerator: a PyTorch device and compiler backend, a Triton-based kernel compiler and an LLVM back end. We work closely with the runtime and hardware teams and with the PyTorch and Triton open-source communities. Over the summer you'll own one piece of making ordinary PyTorch models fast on new memory-centric hardware, from research idea to merged, measured code.

Location: Daily onsite presence at our San Jose Headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy

Reports to: Director

• Design a search space for Triton kernel configurations on the accelerator: tile sizes, launch-grid mapping, on-chip buffer budgets and load style.
• Build legality rules with our compiler engineers that prune configurations that will not compile or will not fit in on-chip memory.
• Develop a kernel cost model, calibrated against our simulator and profiler, that ranks candidates so only the most promising are benchmarked.
• Build a reliable benchmarking harness and a persistent tuning cache, so that tuning cost stays practical.
• Integrate the tuner with the torch.compile Inductor autotuning path and with Triton's autotuner.
• Extend tuning to data placement: tune kernels for a given tensor layout and export tuned costs that a placement pass can use.
• Measure kernel-level and end-to-end LLM inference gains, and share results in weekly syncs and a final presentation.
• Collaborate with PyTorch and Triton developers on upstream autotuning hooks, and hand off documented, tested code.
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

What You Bring

• Pursuing a Masters or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering; PhD preferred.
• Must have at least 1 academic quarter/semester remaining
• Strong Python and C++, with experience writing or tuning Triton kernels or working with PyTorch compiler internals (torch.compile, FX, Inductor).
• Grounding in compilers or performance engineering: IR and passes, cost models, roofline analysis and profiling.
• Preferred: auto-tuning or auto-sharding experience (e.g. TVM/Ansor, the Halide autoscheduler, Kernel Tuner, Alpa, GSPMD), or search methods such as Bayesian optimisation or ILP.
• Preferred: MLIR/LLVM back ends, scratchpad or near-memory architectures, LLM inference kernels, or publications or open-source PyTorch/Triton contributions.
• You're inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
• An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
• You're collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.

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What We Offer

The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

• This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones.
• In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves.
• An investment in your future is an investment in ours.

• Relocation Support Live 50+ miles away from your new office?
• No worries!
• We'll provide a stipend to help support your move.

• Housing Stipend Signing a lease on a new place for your summer internship? We'll help you pay your way with a monthly stipend.
• Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
• Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and paid therapy sessions, you'll have support no matter where you are.
• Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
• Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That's why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.
• Hourly Base Pay Rate $28 - $68 USD