Software Engineer - Model Performance

Baseten is hiring a remote Software Engineer focused on model performance to help improve inference for AI products. The role centers on making ML systems faster and production-ready, with work on techniques such as quantization, speculative decoding, KV cache reuse, chunked prefill, and LoRA. It also involves troubleshooting and improving performance by working directly with tools and codebases including TensorRT, PyTorch, TensorRT-LLM, vLLM, sglang, and CUDA. This position is aimed at backend engineers who enjoy speed optimization, open-source ML models, and the pace of a startup environment.

ABOUT BASETEN Baseten powers mission-critical inference for the world's most dynamic AI companies, like Cursor, Notion, OpenEvidence, Abridge, Clay, Gamma and Writer. By uniting applied AI research, flexible infrastructure, and seamless developer tooling, we enable companies operating at the frontier of AI to bring cutting-edge models into production. We're growing quickly and recently raised our $1.5B Series F https://www.baseten.co/blog/announcing-our-series-f/, led by Altimeter Capital, Conviction Partners, and Spark Capital. Join us and help build the platform engineers turn to to ship AI products. THE ROLE Are you passionate about advancing the application of artificial intelligence? We are looking for a Software Engineer focused on ML performance to join our dynamic team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment and is eager to make significant contributions to the exciting field of LLM Inference. If you are a backend engineer who thrives on making things faster and is excited about open-source ML models, we look forward to your application. EXAMPLE INITIATIVES You'll get to work on these types of projects as part of our Model Performance team: - Baseten Embeddings Inference: The fastest embeddings solution available https://www.baseten.co/blog/introducing-baseten-embeddings-inference-bei/ - The Baseten Inference Stack https://www.baseten.co/resources/guide/the-baseten-inference-stack/ - Driving model performance optimization https://www.baseten.co/blog/driving-model-performance-optimization-2024-highlights/ RESPONSIBILITIES - Implement, refine, and productionize cutting-edge techniques (quantization, speculative decoding, KV cache reuse, chunked prefill and LoRA) for ML model inference and infrastructure. - Deep dive into underlying codebases of TensorRT, PyTorch, TensorRT-LLM, vLLM, sglang, CUDA, and other libraries to debug ML performance issues. - Apply and scale optimization techniques across a wide range of ML models, particularly large language models. - Collaborate with a diverse team to design and implement innovative solutions. - Own projects from idea to production. REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field. - Experience with one or more general-purpose programming languages, such as Python or C++. - Familiarity with LLM optimization techniques (e.g., quantization, speculative decoding, continuous batching). - Strong familiarity with ML libraries, especially PyTorch, TensorRT, or TensorRT-LLM. - Demonstrated interest and experience in LLMs. - Deep understanding of GPU architecture. NICE TO HAVE - Proficiency in enhancing the performance of software systems, particularly in the context of large language models (LLMs). - Experience with CUDA or similar technologies. - Deep understanding of software engineering principles and a proven track record of developing and deploying AI/ML inference solutions. - Experience with Docker and Kubernetes. BENEFITS - Competitive compensation, including meaningful equity. - 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents - Flexible PTO policy including company wide Winter Break (our offices are closed from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day!) - Paid parental leave - Fertility and family-building stipend through Carrot - Company-facilitated 401(k) - Exposure to a variety of ML startups, offering unparalleled learning and networking opportunities. Apply now to embark on a rewarding journey in shaping the future of AI! If you are a motivated individual with a passion for machine learning and a desire to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, we would love to hear from you. At Baseten, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law (by example, the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, where applicable).