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Software Engineer - Compute

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In 2012, Lambda started with a crew of AI engineers publishing research at top machine-learning conferences. We began as an AI company built by AI engineers. That hasn't changed. Today, we're on a mission to be the world's top AI computing platform. We equip engineers with the tools to deploy AI that is fast, secure, affordable, and built to scale. Whether they need powerhouse GPU hardware on-site or the flexibility of cloud-based solutions, we've got the horsepower to make it happen. Lambda’s AI Cloud has been adopted by the world’s leading companies and research institutions including Anyscale, Rakuten, The AI Institute, and multiple enterprises with over a trillion dollars of market capitalization. Our goal is to make computation as effortless and ubiquitous as electricity.

If you'd like to build the world's best deep learning cloud, join us.

*Note: This position requires presence in our San Francisco office location 4 days per week; Lambda’s designated work from home day is currently Tuesday.

What You’ll Do

Join a functional sub-team of Compute at Lambda which is responsible for the development of a critical internal testing system that manages AI testloads across large GPU compute clusters.
Improve code quality, internal validation, and support for new topologies in the testing system.
Work on scalability challenges, enabling the testing system to support very large-scale clusters.
Transition communication mechanisms from SSH to node agents, exploring ZeroMQ or Redis streams.
Fix bugs and operational blockers to enable smoother handoff to non-engineering teams.
Contribute to the implementation efforts, and collaborate with the team on high-level architecture or strategic direction.
Work closely with the HPC-Ops and other internal consumers of the testing system.

You

Have strong proficiency in Python, backed by 3-5 years of professional software development experience, ideally leaning towards 5 years.
Solid understanding of Go, with the capability to develop efficient and maintainable code.
Have hands-on experience with containers (Docker preferred).
Have familiarity with Kubernetes (K8s is a plus but not required).
Are comfortable working with Linux-based systems in a distributed environment.
Have experience working with large, complex codebases and improving their maintainability.
Have learned from past large-scale technical mistakes and grown from them.
Can take ownership of an internal tool and drive it forward.
Are eager to learn on the job, especially regarding the testing system’s architecture.
Are adaptable and enjoy working in fast-moving, high-impact environments.
Communicate well with cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively on large-scale engineering efforts.

Nice to Have

Experience with Slurm or Kubernetes-based cluster management.
Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC).
Understanding of GPU compute environments (CUDA knowledge is not required).
Interest in validating AI workloads in customer environments for debugging or preventative maintenance.

Salary Range Information

Based on market data and other factors, the annual salary range for this position is $134,000-$192,000. However, a salary higher or lower than this range may be appropriate for a candidate whose qualifications differ meaningfully from those listed in the job description.

About Lambda

Founded in 2012, ~350 employees (2024) and growing fast
We offer generous cash & equity compensation
Our investors include Andra Capital, SGW, Andrej Karpathy, ARK Invest, Fincadia Advisors, G Squared, In-Q-Tel (IQT), KHK & Partners, NVIDIA, Pegatron, Supermicro, Wistron, Wiwynn, US Innovative Technology, Gradient Ventures, Mercato Partners, SVB, 1517, Crescent Cove.
We are experiencing extremely high demand for our systems, with quarter over quarter, year over year profitability
Our research papers have been accepted into top machine learning and graphics conferences, including NeurIPS, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, and TOG
Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
Commuter/Work from home stipends for select roles
401k Plan with 2% company match (USA employees)
Flexible Paid Time Off Plan that we all actually use

A Final Note:

You do not need to match all of the listed expectations to apply for this position. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lambda is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and identity, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other factors prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

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CEO of Lambda

Stephen Balaban

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Average salary estimate

$163000 / YEARLY (est.)

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$134000K

$192000K

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What You Should Know About Software Engineer - Compute, Lambda

Join Lambda as a Software Engineer - Compute in sunny San Francisco, where you’ll dive into the thrilling world of AI computing! Since our inception in 2012, we’ve been on a mission to transform AI deployment by providing powerful, efficient, and accessible computing solutions. You’ll be part of a dedicated sub-team focused on creating an internal testing system for managing AI workloads across extensive GPU clusters. This role is perfect for someone eager to contribute to scalable solutions and improve code quality while collaborating with high-performance computing (HPC) and engineering teams. Imagine tackling scalability challenges and revolutionizing how we communicate within our systems by transitioning from SSH to intuitive node agents. If you’ve got strong Python skills and a knack for Go programming, you’ll fit right in! We’re looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, takes ownership of complex internal tools, and is comfortable touching large, sophisticated codebases. With competitive compensation, including equity options and benefits like health coverage and flexible PTO, Lambda ensures both professional and personal growth. If you’re ready to embark on this exciting journey to build the world’s best deep learning cloud, we can’t wait to meet you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Software Engineer - Compute Role at Lambda

What responsibilities does a Software Engineer - Compute at Lambda have?

As a Software Engineer - Compute at Lambda, your primary responsibilities include developing a crucial internal testing system that manages AI workloads across expansive GPU compute clusters. You'll work on improving code quality, support for new testing challenges, and find innovative solutions for scalability issues. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll also handle operational blockers and refine the communication mechanisms used in our systems.