Data Scientist – Model Optimization

Role:

You will be joining the data science team focused on model optimization for Quadric’s custom GPNPU architecture. You will research, prototype, and implement novel quantization algorithms tailored to our hardware constraints. Beyond applying existing techniques, you’ll develop custom low-precision methods that maximize performance on the Chimera GPNPU. Your work will directly shape the quantization capabilities in the Chimera SDK and influence future hardware features.

This California Bay Area based engineering role is intended to be primarily in-office at our Burlingame location, with the ability to commute regularly. We believe strong technical collaboration, rapid iteration, and shared problem-solving are well supported by working together in person. The team and company also gather periodically for onsite meetings and offsite events to connect, collaborate, and align on priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Design statistically rigorous experiments to compare PTQ, QAT, and mixed-precision schemes on vision, language, and multimodal models.
• Implement custom quantization algorithms from scratch, adapting existing techniques or developing novel approaches to match Chimera GPNPU’s unique architectural features and numerical formats.
• Build calibration datasets; develop Python notebooks/dashboards to track accuracy, latency, power, and memory trade-offs.
• Perform layer-level error analysis to guide numerical-format choices.
• Partner with compiler team to convert your findings into turnkey SDK flows and reference configs.
• Publish internal white papers, external benchmarks, and present results to customers and at industry events.
• Monitor academic literature in compression and efficient inference; translate promising ideas into reproducible prototypes.

• M.S./Ph.D. in CS, EE, Applied Math, or similar, with 5+ years in ML model optimization or data-science-driven research.
• Deep grasp of fixed-point arithmetic, quantization theory, numerical analysis, and statistical calibration.
• Strong ability to implement quantization algorithms from first principles, not just use existing frameworks.
• Fluent in Python, PyTorch or TensorFlow, NumPy/Pandas/SciPy, and data-viz tools (Matplotlib/Plotly).
• Experience implementing custom quantizers and understanding their interaction with hardware constraints (bit-width, format, operations).
• Hands-on with at least one quantization toolkit (PyTorch FX/PTQ/QAT, TF-Lite, ONNX-Runtime, TVM, MLIR Quant) and ability to extend them.
• Working knowledge of CNNs, Transformers, and DNN architectures.
• Bonus: Experience with custom hardware accelerators, DSPs, or neural processing units.

At Quadric, we value Integrity, Humility, and Happiness. What we expect from one another is simple and clear: Initiative, Collaboration, and Completion. We are a collaborative team focused on building something extraordinary in the edge computing space.

• Competitive salary and meaningful equity
• Medical, dental, and vision plan options starting on day one
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible paid time off (unlimited, non-accrual) to support work-life balance
• When working in-office, enjoy company-provided lunches and a stocked kitchen
• Convenient office location within walking distance of the Caltrain station
• Support for commuting, including monthly parking or Caltrain passes
• Downtown Burlingame office location, close to shops, cafes, and local amenities
• A politics-free, highly collaborative environment where talented people can do their best work and make an immediate impact
• The opportunity to build long-term career relationships in a company that values strong personal connections alongside professional excellence

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $270,000. This range reflects the full span of levels and geographies at which Quadric hires for this role. The actual base salary offered will depend on a number of factors, including the specific level of the role, years and depth of relevant experience, technical skills and competencies, the criticality of the role to the business, internal equity, and work location. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for equity and a discretionary annual performance bonus as applicable to the role and level.

Quadric also offers the generous benefits package outlined above and other programs designed to support your health and wellbeing.