Kernel Timeout Proof of Concept Internship

Codeplay is known for implementing OpenCL™ and SYCL™ runtimes and compilers for their customers' acceleration platforms. Now we aim to target customers in the automotive sector, who want to run highly complex AI algorithms on their accelerators, which will provide advanced driving assistance (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) features to make our roads safer.

Software in the safety-critical domain is highly time-critical. For example in vision applications, each scene must be processed within a set time limit, otherwise a collision may happen before an object is detected. On the other hand, it is accepted that all software fails occasionally, whether due to bugs remaining in the software or malfunction of hardware. In safety-critical software it is therefore important to detect errors reliably and quickly. An OpenCL or SYCL kernel that exceeds its time limit, whether due to an infinite loop or a delay in processing, is an error for which there is currently no reporting mechanism.

The successful candidate will create proof-of-concept implementations of different mechanisms to report an error in case a kernel's computation has exceeded its time limit.

This internship is on offer for a duration of 3-12 months. Although we usually offer internships for the summer, we are delighted to accept applications for longer or shorter internships and many of our interns have stayed with us to do university placement years or have become permanent members of our team.

The position is temporary and will be based at our head office in central Edinburgh. The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have successfully obtained the right to work in the UK. 

Starting salary - Competitive & Negotiable

Responsibilities

• You will investigate different approaches to restricting the execution time of a kernel.

1. A thread within the application that tracks time
2. A mechanism within the OpenCL runtime
   • Investigate existing timeout extensions, for OpenCL and other standard
   • Modify Codeplay's OpenCL runtime to set the timer threshold and catch the timeout error when it occurs, passing that error on to the user. At this stage it would be acceptable to hard-code the timer threshold and report a generic (existing) error back to the user.
   • Develop an OpenCL extension that allows OpenCL users to specify an upper limit on the execution time of a kernel

• You will develop an example test case with an infinite kernel and demonstrate the effectiveness of each approach.
• If possible (the HW can be reset), you will additionally write an OpenCL application that handles a stream of "frames", where processing of some frames times out, which are then skipped to continue with the rest.
• If time remains, you will translate the sample applications into SYCL and investigate options for an analogous kernel timeout extension for SYCL.

What We Offer

Codeplay is internationally recognized as being at the forefront of software development technology. Working at Codeplay offers unique opportunities and challenges to learn new technologies and to get involved in shaping the software industry. Codeplay's projects range from: creating tools and tool sets (optimizing compilers, debuggers, profilers, programming models & APIs, test systems/suites, etc.) for brand-new unannounced next-generation hardware; developing and optimizing current machine learning (TensorFlow™) and computer vision applications; research and development into lowering the power consumption of mobile devices; and contributing to new programming models and software standards (e.g. C++, SYCL™, OpenCL™, Vulkan® and SPIR™-V).

Codeplay Software is a world pioneer in enabling acceleration technologies used in AI, HPC and automotive. Codeplay was established in 2002 in Edinburgh, Scotland and developed some of the first tools enabling complex software to be accelerated using graphics processors. Today, most AI software is developed using graphics processors designed for video games, and more recently specialised AI and computer vision accelerators. Codeplay continues to work with global technology leaders to make the latest complex AI systems programmable using open-standards based programming languages and allows application developers to quickly bring software to the market.  Codeplay is also deeply involved with the definition of open standards, especially OpenCL™, SPIR™, SYCL™, and Vulkan™ through The Khronos Group, and MISRA C++ for automotive.

• A friendly and relaxed working environment where colleagues respect and support each other.
• Learn from experienced colleagues: our staff frequently give company-wide knowledge-sharing presentations on new software and technology trends, personal projects and other relevant subjects.
• Great career prospects within a growing company
• Newstart mentoring scheme
• Flexible working hours
• Frequent company social events (social nights, pot luck lunches, gaming, karting, outdoor adventures, and more) (Post-COVID!)

Required Skills

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated individual who can work through a problem from start to finish, meet deadlines as required to support software projects, and has the ability to work under pressure. You will be working on technology that is seldom announced to the public and could be several years away from public release, so confidentiality is critical. You should be able to work both independently and collaboratively within teams of varying skill sets and expertise. You should be welcoming towards, and able to adapt to, the introduction of new technologies, responsibilities and projects, as Codeplay works with cutting-edge technology and takes on a diverse range of projects.

• Experience with OpenCL
• Experience with modern C++
• Experience with multi-threading in C++

Beneficial Skills

Knowledge and/or experience of any of the following would be useful for the role, but are not essential. You must be able to learn new skills, but will be given support from Codeplay's team to get you up to speed.

• Experience with SYCL

Application Guidance

Any application which results in a job offer is conditional upon the candidate already having or successfully applying for the right to work in the UK. Codeplay is proud to be an Equal Opportunities employer. We celebrate and value diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, colour, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need and we strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, just let us know.

The Cover Note/Letter is just as important as your CV/Resume, so please include one, stating why you believe you are a good fit for the position. If you have examples of relevant work or projects, we would love to see them, so please include links to them in your application.You should be studying towards a degree in a relevant subject; however, if you can prove skills and knowledge through portfolio work, projects or previous employment, then a degree is not essential.If you have C++ Code Samples (where relevant) please put the link to these on your application; our system will only accept links to personal projects/GitHub accounts or PDF documents.

We aim to close this advert on the 28th April 2023, so please look to get your application in prior to this date. We anticipate a high level of applications for this role and so reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date given.