Compiler Engineer

In Codeplay we want to build the largest open source ecosystem for accelerators. This requires profound work in compilers and programming models that can translate the high-level intents of developers into code modern hardware processors and accelerators can execute. We deploy open-standards programming models, such as SYCL and OpenCL, onto our customer's hardware by implementing open source software stack combined with our own internal products. As part of this work, we have teams working on every stage of compiler pipeline, from clang C++ frontend all the way to CodeGen.

Your primary responsibilities will be to implement and improve compilers for programming models such as OpenCL™ or SYCL to target brand-new hardware such as GPUs, mobile CPUs and DSPs. Writing, testing, debugging and maintaining code, whilst interacting closely with other team members and clients, is a central part of the job. You will spend a great part of your day collaborating with other engineers in design and implementation of complex features across a modern C++ stack that goes from high-level C++ down to SPIR™-V or assembly level.  We put a strong emphasis on testing, documentation and tutorials to enable customer teams to do their own integration and customisation work, and we embrace working in open source projects and open standards as part of our day to day work.

This position requires a good understanding of LLVM, but other compilers and experience may be considered for the role.

The position is permanent and may be based at our head office in central Edinburgh. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the right to work in the UK, or be eligible to apply for the right to work, should relocation be an agreed option.

We are committed to providing flexible working options such as part-time/compressed hours/timeshifting/remote/hybrid. There is also the potential to work fully remotely from France, Italy, Slovenia, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Poland provided the candidate has the existing Right To Work in the EU.

Positions are available at various levels, from entry-level to senior positions, depending on your skills and experience.

Starting salary: Competitive & Negotiable

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. Codeplay was adquired in July 2022 by Intel, and operates as a fully independent subsidiary.

• 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
  • We develop our staff to progress quickly in their roles, and to take ownership of business functions, become experts, and/or lead teams. We provide training in skills such as project and people management, networking and delivering effective presentations.
  • Newstart mentoring scheme
  • Opportunities to attend major worldwide industry conferences and events representing the company

• Flexible working hours
• Pension scheme offering 7% employer contributions
• Full pay whilst on Maternity/Partner or Shared Parental Leave
• Free annual membership for this service: Childcare.co.uk.
• Private healthcare insurance 
• Free confidential counselling service
• Frequent company social events (social nights, pot luck lunches, gaming, karting, outdoor adventures, and more) (Post-COVID!)
• For applicants residing in the UK we can also offer in addition to the above benefits:
  • Childcare Voucher Scheme (for existing members only)
  • Bike2Work Scheme
  • Season Ticket loans

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 work on agile teams. 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 working on Clang or LLVM (other compiler toolchains to be considered)
• Sound compiler implementation knowledge, particularly of the middle and back-end, ideally using LLVM.
• Strong C++ skills and ability to work with complex modern C++ source bases.
• Able to demonstrate experience in designing and driving implementations of features without assistance
• Good knowledge of build systems (e.g. CMake) and compiler tool-chains.
• Ability to clearly communicate, and document technical problems and solutions in a compact and understandable way.
• Ability to effectively test compiler/runtime features by writing tests and using continuous integration.
• Ability to quickly pick up and progress new technologies.
• Able to work collaboratively within a team
• Able to participate in code-reviews and team programming excercises.
• Able to demonstrate that you actively support your team and mentor/support less experienced colleagues 
• Ability to share knowledge with your team and the wider company in a structured and concise manner

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.

• Knowledge of the SPIR-V intermediate language.
• Knowledge of MLIR
• Understanding of language runtimes (e.g. OpenCL implementations, OpenMP implementations)
• Understanding of GPUs and/or other accelerator processor architectures and their impact on compiler technology.
• Understanding of Parallel programming (e.g. task scheduling, SPMD models, ...)
• Project work relevant to compilers (commercial/academic R&D or hobby/university projects).
• Experience with low-level optimisation, whether via compilers or manual optimisation.
• Existing GPGPU technologies (especially OpenCL and CUDA).
• Experience of actively participating in interviewing candidates and reviewing CVs
• Experience interacting with external parties during the day to day of a project (e.g. customers, partners)

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 (or EU for fully remote positions). 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. It helps if you include links to your open source work in your Cover note / letter, so we can take a look at your public contributions if you have any - however this is not a requirement!