Safety Software Lead / Architect / Manager

Quadric has created an innovative general purpose neural processing unit (GPNPU) architecture. Quadric's co-optimized software and hardware is targeted to run neural network (NN) inference workloads in a wide variety of edge and endpoint devices, ranging from battery operated smart-sensor systems to high-performance automotive or autonomous vehicle systems. Unlike other NPUs or neural network accelerators in the industry today that can only accelerate a portion of a machine learning graph, the Quadric GPNPU executes both NN graph code and conventional C++ DSP and control code.

Quadric is building a new generation of high-performance NPU architectures for the edge. We are looking for an experienced Safety Software Lead to drive the end-to-end ISO 26262 functional safety certification for our unified software stack. This critical role involves ensuring that our entire compiler and SDK chain—including TVM, LLVM backends, and our core SDK—meets the highest automotive safety standards.

Our preference is for a candidate located in the California Bay Area who can regularly collaborate from our Burlingame office. This role follows a hybrid schedule with two or more days in-office per week. We will also consider highly qualified candidates based elsewhere in the United States who have demonstrated success working in a fully remote environment and can operate effectively with distributed teams.

From time to time, the team and company gather for onsite meetings and offsite events. These in-person moments are an important part of how we build relationships, collaborate effectively, and align on priorities, and participation is expected for all team members, including those working in a primarily hybrid or remote capacity.

Responsibilities

• Drive End-to-End Certification: Lead the end-to-end software functional safety process for Quadric’s NPU software stack according to ISO 26262.

• Compiler Safety: Ensure the safety-critical compliance of our AI compiler stack, specifically targeting TVM and LLVM backends used for NPU code generation.

• Process Setup: Define and implement software development processes, including MISRA-C/C++ compliance, unit testing, and automated traceability from requirements to design and test cases.

• Documentation: Generate and maintain essential safety artifacts, including Safety Manuals, Cybersecurity Capability Reports, and Traceability Matrices using tools like JIRA/Github.

• Tool Qualification: Oversee the qualification of software tools used within the SDK and compiler environment to ensure they meet automotive safety requirements.

• Customer Support: Collaborate with OEM/Tier-1 automotive customers to align on safety requirements and provide documentation for their system-level certifications.

Requirements

• Expertise in ISO 26262: Proven track record of leading software safety certification for complex semiconductor products, preferably NPUs, GPUs, or high-performance CPUs.

• Compiler Knowledge: Deep understanding of AI compiler stacks, specifically TVM and LLVM; experience with MLIR or OpenXLA is a significant plus.

• Automotive Standards: Strong familiarity with related standards such as ISO 21434 (Cybersecurity), ASPICE, and AUTOSAR.

• SW Development: Experience with system-level software including drivers, firmware, and bare-metal runtimes for AI accelerators.

• Security & Compliance: Proficiency in implementing security solutions and generating safety-certified stacks for automotive and industrial applications.

• Bachelors in Computer Science, or related field, with a minimum of eight years of experience in the industry. Masters or PhD preferred.

Benefits

At Quadric, we value Integrity, Humility, and Happiness. What we expect from one another is simple and clear: Initiative, Collaboration, and Completion. We are a collaborative team focused on building something extraordinary in the edge computing space.

• Competitive salary and meaningful equity

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options starting on day one

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Flexible paid time off (unlimited, non-accrual) to support work-life balance

• When working in-office, enjoy company-provided lunches and a stocked kitchen

• Convenient office location within walking distance of the Caltrain station

• Support for commuting, including monthly parking or Caltrain passes

• Downtown Burlingame office location, close to shops, cafes, and local amenities

• A politics-free, highly collaborative environment where talented people can do their best work and make an immediate impact

• The opportunity to build long-term career relationships in a company that values strong personal connections alongside professional excellence

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $270,000. This range reflects the full span of levels and geographies at which Quadric hires for this role. The actual base salary offered will depend on a number of factors, including the specific level of the role, years and depth of relevant experience, technical skills and competencies, the criticality of the role to the business, internal equity, and work location. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for equity and a discretionary annual performance bonus as applicable to the role and level.

Quadric also offers the generous benefits package outlined above and other programs designed to support your health and wellbeing.

Founded in 2016 and based in downtown Burlingame, California, Quadric is building the world’s first supercomputer designed for the real-time needs of edge devices. Quadric aims to empower developers in every industry with superpowers to create tomorrow’s technology, today. The company was co-founded by technologists from MIT and Carnegie Mellon, who were previously the technical co-founders of the Bitcoin computing company 21.

Quadric is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can do their best work. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not perfectly match every qualification. We value potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn just as much as direct experience. Skills and growth come in many forms, and we would love to hear your story.

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