AI Compiler Engineer

AI Compiler Engineers build compilers and optimization tools that make AI models run faster on various hardware. They work on frameworks like XLA, TVM, and MLIR to optimize AI workloads.

Average Salary
$230K/year
$160K - $300K
Growth Rate
+45%
Next 10 years
Work Environment
Office, Remote-friendly
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What is a AI Compiler Engineer?

AI Compiler Engineers build compilers and optimization tools that make AI models run faster on various hardware. They work on frameworks like XLA, TVM, and MLIR to optimize AI workloads.

Education Required

Master's or PhD in Computer Science, preferably in compilers or systems

Certifications

  • Compiler courses
  • Systems programming

Job Outlook

Specialized demand at AI chip and framework companies. High compensation.

Key Responsibilities

Develop AI compilers, optimize model execution, support new hardware backends, improve framework performance, collaborate with hardware teams, and contribute to open source.

A Day in the Life

Compiler development
Graph optimization
Hardware support
Performance analysis
Framework integration
Documentation

Required Skills

Here are the key skills you'll need to succeed as a AI Compiler Engineer.

Python

technical

Programming in Python for AI/ML development, data analysis, and automation

C++

technical

C++ programming language

LLVM/MLIR

technical

AI compiler frameworks

Compiler Development

technical

Building compilers

Performance Optimization

technical

Optimizing system and model performance

Hardware Architecture

technical

Understanding hardware

Salary Range

Average Annual Salary

$230K

Range: $160K - $300K

Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$160K - $192K
Mid Level (3-5 years)$192K - $253K
Senior Level (5-10 years)$253K - $300K

Projected Growth

+45% over the next 10 years

ATS Resume Keywords

Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) with these AI Compiler Engineer-specific keywords.

Must-Have Keywords

Essential

Include these keywords in your resume - they are expected for AI Compiler Engineer roles.

CompilerML CompilerTVMMLIROptimizationCode Generation

Strong Keywords

Bonus Points

These keywords will strengthen your application and help you stand out.

LLVMXLAGraph OptimizationHardware TargetPerformance

Keywords to Avoid

Overused

These are overused or vague terms. Replace them with specific achievements and metrics.

Compiler wizardOptimization guruPerformance expert

💡 Pro Tips for ATS Optimization

  • • Use exact keyword matches from job descriptions
  • • Include keywords in context, not just lists
  • • Quantify achievements (e.g., "Improved X by 30%")
  • • Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "ML" and "Machine Learning")

How to Become a AI Compiler Engineer

Follow this step-by-step roadmap to launch your career as a AI Compiler Engineer.

1

Learn Compiler Fundamentals

Study compiler design, optimization passes, and code generation.

2

Study ML Compilers

Learn TVM, XLA, MLIR, and ML-specific compilation.

3

Understand ML Workloads

Know neural network operations that need optimization.

4

Learn Hardware Targets

Understand GPU, TPU, and other hardware compiler targets.

5

Build Optimization Skills

Develop expertise in graph and loop optimization.

6

Contribute to ML Compilers

Work on open-source ML compiler projects.

🎉 You're Ready!

With dedication and consistent effort, you'll be prepared to land your first AI Compiler Engineer role.

Not sure if AI Compiler Engineer is right for you?

Take our free career assessment to find your ideal AI role.

Portfolio Project Ideas

Build these projects to demonstrate your AI Compiler Engineer skills and stand out to employers.

1

Implement optimization pass for ML compiler

Great for showcasing practical skills
2

Add hardware target support to ML framework

Great for showcasing practical skills
3

Improve performance of ML operator compilation

Great for showcasing practical skills
4

Build model compilation pipeline

Great for showcasing practical skills
5

Contribute to open-source ML compiler

Great for showcasing practical skills

🚀 Portfolio Best Practices

  • Host your projects on GitHub with clear README documentation
  • Include a live demo or video walkthrough when possible
  • Explain the problem you solved and your technical decisions
  • Show metrics and results (e.g., "95% accuracy", "50% faster")

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes! Avoid these common pitfalls when pursuing a AI Compiler Engineer career.

Optimizing without measuring real workloads

Ignoring numerical precision impacts

Not considering hardware constraints

Over-specializing without generalization

Missing edge cases in transformations

What to Do Instead

  • • Focus on measurable outcomes and quantified results
  • • Continuously learn and update your skills
  • • Build real projects, not just tutorials
  • • Network with professionals in the field
  • • Seek feedback and iterate on your work

Career Path & Progression

Typical career progression for a AI Compiler Engineer

1

Junior AI Compiler Engineer

0-2 years

Learn fundamentals, work under supervision, build foundational skills

2

AI Compiler Engineer

3-5 years

Work independently, handle complex projects, mentor junior team members

3

Senior AI Compiler Engineer

5-10 years

Lead major initiatives, strategic planning, mentor and develop others

4

Lead/Principal AI Compiler Engineer

10+ years

Set direction for teams, influence company strategy, industry thought leader

Ready to start your journey?

Take our free assessment to see if this career is right for you

Learning Resources for AI Compiler Engineer

Curated resources to help you build skills and launch your AI Compiler Engineer career.

Free Learning Resources

Free
  • TVM tutorials
  • MLIR documentation
  • Compiler resources

Courses & Certifications

Paid
  • Compiler courses
  • ML systems courses

Tools & Software

Essential
  • TVM
  • MLIR
  • LLVM
  • XLA

Communities & Events

Network
  • TVM community
  • MLIR community
  • Compiler forums

Job Search Platforms

Jobs
  • LinkedIn
  • AI chip companies
  • ML framework teams

💡 Learning Strategy

Start with free resources to build fundamentals, then invest in paid courses for structured learning. Join communities early to network and get mentorship. Consistent daily practice beats intensive cramming.

Work Environment

OfficeRemote-friendlyDeep technical

Work Style

Deep technical Systems-focused Research-oriented

Personality Traits

Highly technicalAnalyticalPatientDetail-oriented

Core Values

Technical depth Performance Open source Innovation

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