Research Engineer (Seed Model - Infra - Training Performance & Core Kernels)

Research Engineer - Seed Model - Infra - LLM/VLM Inference Optimization (Kernel & Compiler)Location: San JoseTeam: TechnologyEmployment Type: RegularJob Code: A02632AResponsibilitiesThe Seed Infrastructures team oversees the distributed training, reinforcement learning framework, high-performance inference, and heterogeneous hardware compilation technologies for AI foundation models. Responsibilities include:Design, implement, and optimize high-performance GPU kernels for large-scale LLM/VLM inference workloads, including attention, GEMM, and other compute- and memory-intensive operators.Develop and tune inference kernels in CUDA and Triton, and drive end-to-end performance optimization of production inference systems at scale.Conduct in-depth performance analysis and profiling to identify bottlenecks across the inference stack, from kernel level to serving level.Collaborate with research and infrastructure teams to land kernel- and compiler-level optimizations in production inference systems.QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python; solid foundations in algorithms, data structures, and systems programming.Hands-on experience in LLM/VLM inference optimization with demonstrated impact on latency, throughput, or serving cost.Hands-on experience writing and optimizing GPU kernels in CUDA and/or Triton.Deep understanding of GPU architecture (memory hierarchy, occupancy, instruction throughput) with solid optimization experience.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with ML compiler internals (e.g., Triton, MLIR, LLVM).Contributions to related open-source projects (e.g., Triton, vLLM, SGLang, FlashAttention, CUTLASS).Publications in relevant venues (e.g., MLSys, OSDI, ASPLOS).Job InformationFor Pay TransparencyCompensation Description (Annually) The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $ - $ annually. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units. Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure). The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice. For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.About Doubao (Seed)Established in 2023, the ByteDance Seed team is dedicated to pioneering new paths toward artificial general intelligence. We aspire to advance the frontier of intelligence to drive progress for both technology and society. With a long-term vision for the AI sector, the Seed team's research spans MLLM, GenMedia, AI for Science, and Robotics. We maintain a global presence with laboratories and career opportunities across China, Singapore, and the United States. To date, we have launched industry-leading general foundation models and cutting-edge multimodal capabilities. Our technology powers over 50 application scenarios — including Doubao, Jimeng, TRAE, Dola and Dreamnia — and serves enterprise customers through Volcano Engine and BytePlus. Third-party data shows that the Doubao App ranks first in user volume in the Chinese market, while Doubao foundation models lead the industry in average daily token consumption.Why Join ByteDanceInspiring creativity is at the core of ByteDance's mission. Our innovative products are built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and enrich life - a mission we work towards every day. As ByteDancers, we strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our Company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.Diversity & InclusionByteDance is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At ByteDance, our mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.Reasonable AccommodationByteDance is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. 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