PitchMeAI
Altera

Machine Learning Engineer

Altera · Toronto, ON

  • On site
  • Full-time
  • CA$253,000 / year
  • Toronto, ON

Job highlights

  • Develop and deploy ML for FPGA compiler enhancement.
  • Integrate ML models and frameworks like PyTorch.
  • Build automated workflows for ML model deployment.
  • Collaborate with teams for tailored ML solutions.
  • Benchmark ML-optimized compiler performance.

About the role

Machine Learning Engineer - FPGA Compiler

Altera is a global leader in programmable logic solutions, delivering high performance FPGA technology that powers next generation cloud, networking, and edge applications. With a renewed focus on agility, software first usability, and hardware accelerated innovation, Altera is shaping the future of computing. Join us as we build the next wave of AI optimized FPGA platforms and tools!

About The Role

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to help drive the development, optimization and deployment of Altera FPGA Compiler. In this role, you will work at the intersection of machine learning and compiler/toolchain development, enabling customers to achieve breakthrough performance and efficiency on programmable logic.

You will collaborate closely with hardware architects, software engineers, and IP developers to design ML models, optimize inference pipelines, and contribute to the evolution of Altera’s FPGA Compiler.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, optimize, and deploy advanced machine learning technologies to enhance FPGA compiler performance, focusing on timing closure, resource utilization, and power efficiency.
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging ML models (e.g., graph neural networks, reinforcement learning) and frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) for compiler optimization tasks like placement, routing, and logic synthesis.
  • Build robust tools, scripts, and CI/CD workflows to automate model conversion, quantization, pruning, and deployment within the FPGA design flow, ensuring compatibility with EDA tools like Quartus.
  • Collaborate with customers, FPGA architects, and internal engineering teams to gather ML requirements, define success metrics, and deliver tailored, production-ready solutions.
  • Design and execute comprehensive benchmarks to measure ML-optimized compiler performance across diverse FPGA families (e.g., Agilex, Stratix), analyzing metrics such as compile time, QoR, and scalability.

Compensation

Our compensation is designed to reflect the Canadian labour market. The actual salary offered may vary based on several factors, including the position’s location, as well as the candidate’s experience, skills, training, and job-specific knowledge. In addition to base salary, we offer performance-based incentive opportunities that reward both individual contributions and overall company success.

Estimated Salary Range: $172.1 – $253.7CAD

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position. This posting is for an existing vacancy. Canadian work experience is not required for this role. Applicants must be eligible for any required Canada export authorizations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in machine learning development, model optimization or ML systems engineering.
  • Experience with C++ and Python in production or research environments.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Agile methodologies, GitHub Copilot or similar AI coding assistants, and high-performance computing environments.
  • Familiarity with edge AI inference on FPGAs and neuro-symbolic AI techniques.
  • Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and presenting results at conferences like DAC or FPGA World.

Job Type

Regular

Shift

Shift 1 (Canada)

Primary Location:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Additional Locations:

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Key skills/competency

  • Machine Learning Engineering
  • FPGA Compiler
  • ML Model Optimization
  • Inference Pipelines
  • Graph Neural Networks
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • CI/CD
  • EDA Tools

Skills & topics

  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Machine Learning
  • FPGA
  • Compiler
  • ML Model Optimization
  • Inference
  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • C++
  • Python
  • Graph Neural Networks
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • EDA Tools
  • Quartus
  • AI

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of ML experience, C++, Python, and compiler optimization skills.
  • Showcase relevant projects: Detail your experience with ML models like GNNs, RL, and frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
  • Demonstrate compiler expertise: Emphasize your understanding of timing closure, resource utilization, and power efficiency in FPGAs.
  • Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss ML deployment, CI/CD, and EDA tool integration, especially Quartus.
  • Highlight collaboration skills: Mention any experience with cross-functional teams and presenting technical results.

Technical preparation

Master C++ and Python for ML development.,Deepen knowledge of GNNs and RL models.,Familiarize with PyTorch and TensorFlow.,Understand FPGA compiler optimization techniques.

Behavioral questions

Describe a complex ML problem you solved.,How do you collaborate with hardware teams?,How do you handle performance metric analysis?,Discuss your experience with ML deployment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the expected salary range for a Machine Learning Engineer at Altera in Toronto?
The estimated salary range for a Machine Learning Engineer at Altera in Toronto is $172.1 - $253.7K CAD annually. This range can vary based on your experience, skills, and specific job-related knowledge.
What are the minimum educational requirements for the Machine Learning Engineer role at Altera?
A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required. Altera also values candidates with advanced degrees.
Does Altera use AI in its hiring process for the Machine Learning Engineer position?
Yes, Altera explicitly states that they use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.
What programming languages are essential for the Machine Learning Engineer role at Altera?
Proficiency in both C++ and Python for production or research environments is a minimum qualification for this role at Altera.
What specific ML models and frameworks should I be familiar with for this Machine Learning Engineer job?
For this role at Altera, it's beneficial to have experience with emerging ML models like graph neural networks and reinforcement learning, as well as frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
Is Canadian work experience a requirement for the Machine Learning Engineer position at Altera?
No, Canadian work experience is not required for this role. Applicants must be eligible for any required Canada export authorizations.
What is the work arrangement for the Machine Learning Engineer role at Altera?
Based on the primary location being Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and the mention of 'Shift 1 (Canada)', this role is likely an on-site or hybrid position within Canada.
What are Altera's expectations regarding experience for a Machine Learning Engineer?
Altera requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in machine learning development, model optimization, or ML systems engineering for this role.