Distributed Machine Learning Engineer

Institute of Foundation Models

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Sunnyvale, CA on site Until 8/23/2026 First posted March 18, 2026 Last posted March 18, 2026
Job description
About the Institute of Foundation Models
We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.

As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the core of cutting-edge foundation model training, alongside world-class researchers, data scientists, and engineers, tackling the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI development. You will participate in the development of groundbreaking AI solutions that have the potential to reshape entire industries. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will be instrumental in establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire the next generation of AI pioneers.



The Role
The Distributed ML Engineer will play a role at the forefront of optimizing performance for the machine learning software stacks, especially at training and inference, and support the team to develop new and cutting-edge systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in parallel computing, and hands-on experience in system level coding, debug methodologies, and large-scale machine learning experience.

Key Responsibilities

  • Understand, analyze, profile, optimize, and provide guidance to the team on deep learning workloads on state-of-the-art hardware and software platforms to improve their efficiency with different levels of optimization
  • Design and implement performance benchmarks and testing methodologies to evaluate application performance
  • Build tools to automate workload analysis, workload optimization, and other critical workflows
  • Triage system issues and identify bottleneck and inefficiencies by analyzing the sources of issues and the impact on hardware, network and propose solutions to enhance GPU utilization
  • Support the team to develop appropriate kernels and systems for new model architectures and algorithms
  • Participate in, or lead design reviews with peers and stakeholders to decide amongst available technologies.
  • Review code developed by other developers and provide feedback to ensure best practices (e.g., style guidelines, checking code in, accuracy, testability, and efficiency).
  • Contribute to existing documentation or educational content and adapt content based on product/program updates and user feedback.
  • Represent MBZUAI at industry conferences and events, showcasing the institution’s cutting-edge HPC and deep learning capabilities and establishing MBZUAI as a global leader in AI research and innovation.
  • Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.

Academic Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in CS, EE or CSEE with 1+ years working experience, OR
  • Masters in CS, EE or CSEE or equivalent experience with 2+ year working experience
Visa Sponsorship
This position is eligible for visa sponsorship.

Benefits Include
*Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits 
 *Bonus
*401K Plan
*Generous paid time off, sick leave and holidays
*Paid Parental Leave
*Employee Assistance Program
*Life insurance and disability


Compensation (from employer):
150000–450000 USD per year

About this role

Summary

Optimize and develop performance for machine learning workloads on advanced hardware platforms.

Job title

Distributed Machine Learning Engineer

Experience level

1+ years (Ph.D.) or 2+ years (Masters)

Industry

research in artificial intelligence

Location requirements

Sunnyvale, CA, on-site with possible remote options.

Salary

150000–450000 USD per year

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

parallel computingsystem level codingdebug methodologieslarge-scale machine learningGPU utilization

Preferred skills

performance benchmarkingworkflow automationkernel developmentcode reviewdocumentation

Specializations

deep learningparallel computingperformance optimizationsystem level codinghigh-performance computing
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Sunnyvale, CA, USA

On-site City