Research Intern - Machine Learning Acceleration (PhD)

Reality Labs (RL) focuses on delivering Meta’s vision through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). The compute performance and power efficiency requirements of Virtual and Augmented Reality require custom silicon. Meta Silicon team is driving the state of the art forward with breakthrough work in computer vision, machine learning, mixed reality, graphics, displays, sensors, and new ways to map the human body. Our chips will enable AR and VR devices where our real and virtual world will mix and match throughout the day. We believe the only way to achieve our goals is to look at the entire stack, from transistor, through architecture, to firmware and algorithms.

You will use your background in Digital IC design and Machine Learning to enable efficient hardware acceleration of ML algorithms for Computer Vision, Image Processing, and new AI models in AR and VR devices. You will also have an unique opportunity to optimize production systems, by using AI to improve quality and efficiency of silicon design, as well as help future-proof our silicon and software, by proactively understanding state of the art research and develop hardware or software solutions to mitigate inefficiencies. To be successful in this role, you should possess strong software development skills, familiarity with ML algorithms and framework/toolchains and hands-on experience in software and hardware co-design, especially in the context of ML.

Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long, and we have various start dates throughout the year.Research Intern - Machine Learning Acceleration (PhD) Responsibilities

• Collaborate with computer architects, software, ML and silicon engineers, to map and optimize ML workloads on various backend targets including CPU’s, DSP’s and Deep Learning Accelerators.
• Perform ML algorithm, software, hardware co-design to achieve best energy and performance efficiency.
• Use AI to build new solutions that aid silicon design with the goal of increasing efficiency and quality of our systems.
• Develop performant C/C++ kernels and optimize domain specific compilers to port industry standard ML libraries to custom hardware.
• Review SOTA research trends in hardware specific ML model optimizations and mapping.
• Evaluate and integrate promising techniques into shipping products.
• Run analysis/profiling , identify performance and power bottlenecks on the actual h/w, virtual platforms, simulators or emulators and provide feedback for optimizations across the stack.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with Python (or similar) scripting and exposure to ML frameworks like Pytorch/TF.
• Experience in software design and programming in C/C++.
• Experience in LLM architectures and/or using LLMs to automate tasks and flows.
• Understanding of computer architecture and performance implications.
• Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with h/w acceleration on GPU’s/CPU’s/DSP’s/custom-ASICs.
• Experience with fine tuning AI models and/or building agentic workflows.
• Understand classic ML, CV algorithms , DeepLearning algorithms like BERT, RNN, CNN and frameworks like Tensorflow/Pytorch.
• Familiarity with the state of art ML algorithm optimizations like Neural Architecture Search, quantization, pruning etc.
• Familiarity with Deep learning compilers like tensor-rt, XLA is a plus.
• Familiarity with high performance sw kernel development for customized ISA.
• Familiarity with code profiling and debug tools. Tools in the context of ML is a plus.
• Comfortable with reading others code, tracing them, and code refactoring.
• Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment
• Intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op

For those who live in or expect to work from California if hired for this position, please click here for additional information. LocationsAbout Meta Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
$7,313/month to $11,293/month + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here.
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