Software Engineer - Compilers

As a Software Engineer - Compilers at Nexus, your main responsibilities include optimizing compiler toolchains with LLVM and Cranelift, contributing to our compiler infrastructure, collaborating on various compiler-related projects with engineers and researchers, and staying updated on advancements in compiler technology. You'll also guide other engineers, enhancing their understanding and application of compiler optimizations.

To qualify for the Software Engineer - Compilers role at Nexus, candidates should possess at least 5 years of progressive engineering experience focused on building scalable systems. A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is required, while a master's or PhD is strongly preferred. A deep understanding of LLVM and Cranelift, along with proven experience in designing and implementing compiler optimizations, is essential for this role.

As a Software Engineer - Compilers at Nexus, you'll enjoy a competitive salary paired with equity compensation. Our dynamic startup culture promotes creativity and encourages autonomy, allowing you to thrive in an environment where meritocracy and collaboration are deeply valued. Additionally, we are committed to building an inclusive team and offer relocation assistance for candidates moving to San Francisco.

The hiring process for the Software Engineer - Compilers role at Nexus begins with a 30-minute initial screening with a member of our talent team. If successful, candidates will proceed to a 30-minute alignment interview with an executive team member, followed by a 60-minute technical interview. The final step involves a call with our founder and CEO to ensure a mutual fit. We strive to create an inclusive experience for all candidates throughout this journey.

The Software Engineer - Compilers position at Nexus is an in-office role located in San Francisco, California. While we prefer to have our engineers on-site to foster collaboration and creativity, we also provide relocation assistance for candidates coming from outside the San Francisco area.

When answering this question, break down the concept into simpler terms. Explain that compiler optimization is like a coach training an athlete to perform better by refining their techniques and eliminating unnecessary steps. This improves the performance of computer programs by making them run faster and use resources more efficiently. Your aim should be to show your ability to communicate complex ideas simply.

In your response, highlight specific projects where you utilized LLVM, detailing the optimizations you implemented, challenges you faced, and the outcomes. Emphasize your understanding of LLVM's architecture and capabilities, and how you’ve utilized them to enhance application performance. This will showcase your hands-on experience and knowledge in a relevant context.

A strong answer would include a mix of continuous learning approaches such as following academic journals, attending relevant conferences, and participating in online forums or communities dedicated to compiler technology. Mention any specific resources or networks you are a part of that help you keep your knowledge current, showing your commitment to ongoing professional development.

When discussing a challenging project, focus on a specific problem, your approach to solving it, and the lessons learned. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, ensuring you convey a clear picture of your problem-solving abilities and technical skills in compiler design and optimization.

Emphasize the significance of open communication and active listening in collaboration. Discuss specific tools or practices you use to foster collaboration, such as regular meetings, code reviews, or shared documentation. Highlight past experiences where successful collaboration led to excellent project outcomes, showcasing your teamwork ability.

Detail specific optimizations you've implemented in your previous roles, explaining the context and objective behind each. Be sure to mention the measurable impacts of these optimizations, such as performance improvements or resource savings, demonstrating your ability to deliver tangible results through technical expertise.

When answering this question, start by outlining the primary functions of both LLVM and Cranelift, providing a brief comparison of their use cases and advantages. For example, LLVM is widely recognized for its optimization capabilities across a range of architectures, while Cranelift is optimized for speed. This shows your level of technical knowledge and understanding of choosing the right tool for specific compiler tasks.

Explain your methodology for identifying and fixing bugs within compiler systems. Describe specific instances where you've debugged complicated optimization issues. Management of time and resources efficiently while resolving bug-related challenges speaks volumes about your problem-solving abilities and your perseverance in achieving project goals.

Discuss various quality assurance practices you employ such as rigorous testing, profiling, and benchmarking of compiler-generated code. Mention any automated systems you have set up to help ensure quality across different builds, reflecting your focus on maintaining high standards in your work and commitment to excellence.

Express your insights on the trends shaping compiler technology, such as advancements in machine learning for optimization, language diversity, or increasing parallelism in applications. Use this opportunity to convey your forward-thinking mindset and your enthusiasm for being part of innovations that push the limits of computing.