AI Foundations - Research Software Engineer

Expertise in compilers, programming languages, or adjacent technical fields (e.g., formal verification, theorem proving, etc.)

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Proficiency in at least one systems programming languages, particularly Rust or C++.

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Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype, build, and iterate on software projects.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Hands-on experience designing, training, and working with Transformer architectures and Large Language Models (LLMs).

• Proven experience designing, building, and managing large-scale data pipelines.

• Experience programming for GPUs.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

IBM (Cambridge, MA)

Introduction

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what’s next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You’ll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Your role and responsibilities

IBM Research is seeking an innovative and driven Research Engineer to build the future of the open model weight ecosystem. In this role, you will be at the forefront of foundation model/software harness co-design. You will bridge the gap between cutting-edge theoretical research and practical application by building the software and model capabilities that make small and medium sized models shine. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of actually open AI, collaborate with world-class scientists and academic partners, and publish research that drives the open weight community forward. If you are passionate about hacking on low-level systems code in the mornings and brainstorming about novel training regimes in the afternoon, we invite you to join our team.