High-Level Synthesis (HLS) Engineer

Altera is at the forefront of programmable logic and hardware acceleration. Our mission is to empower developers and system architects to rapidly design and deploy next-generation systems using advanced FPGA and SoC technologies.

Within Altera, the High-Level Synthesis (HLS) team builds cutting-edge compiler systems that bridge the gap between software and hardware. We transform high-level programming models into highly optimized hardware implementations, enabling breakthroughs in AI, cloud infrastructure, and domain-specific acceleration.

We are looking for talent who are excited to push the boundaries of compilers, systems, and hardware/software co-design.

What You’ll Work On As a member of the HLS research and engineering team, you will contribute to both production compiler systems and forward-looking research:

• Design and develop next-generation compiler infrastructure for HLS
• Invent and implement novel compiler passes, optimizations, and code transformations for hardware synthesis
• Explore advanced compilation techniques for AI/ML workloads, including graph-level and system-level optimizations
• Improve end-to-end compilation flow from C/C++ (and beyond) to RTL, focusing on performance, power, and area efficiency
• Prototype and evaluate new ideas in collaboration with research and product teams
• Contribute to publications, patents, and internal technical innovations
• Work closely with hardware architects and domain experts to co-design future acceleration platforms

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of experience
• Strong foundation in one or more of the following:
• Compiler design (e.g., optimization, IR design, code generation)
• Programming languages or systems
• Computer architecture or digital design
• Proficiency in C/C++ or similar systems programming languages

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in compilers, HLS, or hardware/software co-design
• Familiarity with LLVM, MLIR, or similar compiler infrastructures
• Exposure to FPGA/ASIC design flows or hardware description languages (Verilog/VHDL)
• Background in optimizing AI/ML workloads or domain-specific accelerators
• Publications in relevant conferences or demonstrated research impact

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Opportunities for career growth in both research and engineering tracks
• A culture that values innovation, ownership, and technical excellence, The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including job location, job-related knowledge, skills, experiences, trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

$133.2K - $192.8K USD

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position. Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.

At Altera , our independence as the world’s largest pure-play FPGA solutions provider gives us the focus, speed, and agility to innovate without compromise. With more than four decades of industry-leading FPGA expertise, our singular mission is to deliver the programmable technologies that help customers differentiate, innovate, and scale across rapidly evolving markets like AI, cloud, networking, and edge. As an independent company, we move faster, invest deeper, and partner more closely-empowering our teams to drive breakthrough innovation and shape the future of the FPGA industry.