Fall 2026

LLM Algorithmic Optimization Engineer Intern

Updated on 9/3/2026

Nio

Nio

5,001-10,000 employees

Automotive-grade SoC designer for autonomous driving

Compensation Overview

$38 - $46/hr

San Jose, CA, USA

In Person

Bachelor's, Master's, PhD

Category
AI & Machine Learning (1)
Required Skills
Middleware
LLM
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Python
Distributed Systems
Neural Networks
PyTorch
C/C++
Computer Vision
Linux/Unix

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Requirements
  • Currently pursuing or completed a PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Communications, Electronics, or a related field, with relevant research projects and publications.
  • Strong understanding of GPU and NPU architecture and optimization techniques to identify and address bottlenecks.
  • Proficiency in LLM and VLM architectures and algorithms, with familiarity with transformer-based natural language processing, audio, computer vision algorithms, and technologies.
  • Proficiency in Python and experience with artificial intelligence-related training and inference tools such as PyTorch.
  • Proficiency in C and C++ programming and familiarity with at least one commonly used LLM inference engine.
  • Hands-on experience with model-serving frameworks such as Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX).
  • Familiarity with debugging code in distributed computing environments.
  • A Master's degree plus three years of relevant industry experience may qualify for the preferred pathway.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct research and apply cutting-edge technologies to optimize Large Language Models and multimodal models, including exploring and implementing core algorithmic optimization on heterogeneous architectures for highly efficient LLM inference and deployment across distributed and heterogeneous hardware environments.
  • Optimize models from a systems perspective for efficient deployment in the vehicle's digital cockpit and advanced driving domain.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate optimized models into real-world automotive applications.
  • Contribute to the full pipeline from research, development, and testing through deployment on hardware, including GPUs and other distributed systems.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience in inference optimization techniques of deep learning models or libraries on hardware architectures.
  • Familiarity with microkernel architecture, Linux kernel, hypervisor, middleware, and application framework.
  • A strong publication record with high-impact, innovative papers.
  • Experience in LLM inference optimization on resource-constrained edge devices.

GeniTech designs and develops high-performance automotive system-on-chips (SoCs) for autonomous driving. Its flagship Shenji NX9031 uses a 5-nanometer automotive-grade process with over 50 billion transistors to power real-time sensor fusion and decision-making. The company targets OEMs and smart-driving system suppliers with proprietary, high-density compute cores, a high-dynamic-range ISP, and a heterogeneous many-core pool that delivers millisecond-level latency, all built with a full-stack in-house hardware-software approach. GeniTech differentiates itself by combining internal hardware supply to its parent company with external IP licensing and joint ventures, aiming to industrialize automotive semiconductors and monetize through licensing, royalties, and collaborations in automotive and robotics.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

Early VC

Total Funding

$310.3M

Headquarters

Huangpu, China

Founded

2014

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Shenji raised $330 million in February 2026, funding chip commercialization.
  • June 2026 deliveries hit 40,597, lifting Q2 volume 49.4% year over year.
  • Nio's recall used OTA fixes, preserving customer trust and limiting dealer costs.

What critics are saying

  • Nio recalled 246,229 ES8, ES6, and EC6 vehicles for screen blackouts in 2026.
  • Q2 2026 deliveries missed guidance by 2,342 units, signaling execution slippage.
  • Rising competition from BYD and Tesla keeps pricing pressure brutal through 2026.

What makes Nio unique

  • Shenji NX9031 matches four Nvidia Orin X chips, reducing Nio dependence.
  • Nio retained 62.7% control after Shenji's CNY2.3 billion spinout financing.
  • Onvo and Firefly extend Nio's multi-brand strategy across premium and mass segments.

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Benefits

Insurance, Health & Wellness

401k

Maternity & Paternity Leave

Work From Home

Reduced or Flexible Hours

Paid Vacation, Sick Days, Holidays, and Bereavement Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted Gym Membership

Professional Development Opportunities

Company News

Yahoo Finance
Sep 1st, 2026
Nio falls 4% on Q2 revenue miss despite 14.5% YoY August delivery growth

Nio shares fell 4.02% to $4.06 after the Chinese EV maker's second-quarter revenue missed estimates despite strong year-over-year growth. Trading volume surged to 77.8 million shares, 174% above its three-month average. The company reported Q2 revenue jumped 69.1% year over year and 26% sequentially from Q1, but fell short of expectations amid intense competition in China and Europe. Vehicle margins also declined from the previous quarter, raising concerns about price pressures and rising component costs. Nio posted stronger August delivery numbers, with unit volume up 14.5% year over year, driven by its new mass-market sub-brands Firefly and Onvo. However, the company still reported a small operating loss in Q2, slightly worse than Q1 results. The broader market declined, with the S&P 500 down 0.71% and Nasdaq falling 1.03%.

Yahoo Finance
Sep 1st, 2026
NIO reports record $4.4B revenue, 18.5% vehicle margin amid rising chip costs

NIO Inc reported record financial results for Q2 2026, with total revenue reaching RMB32.1 billion, up 69.1% year-over-year. The Chinese electric vehicle maker delivered 107,658 vehicles in the quarter, a 49.4% increase from the previous year. Vehicle gross margin stood at 18.5%, despite rising raw material and chip costs. The company achieved adjusted operating profit of RMB0.2 billion and positive free cash flow, boosting its cash position to RMB56.7 billion. NIO's flagship ES9 model faces wait times of 3-4 months due to strong demand, whilst the ES8 surpassed 140,000 deliveries. The company expanded its battery swap network to 4,123 stations, including a new fifth-generation station costing RMB1.4 million. For Q3 2026, NIO expects deliveries between 108,000 and 111,000 units.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 25th, 2026
Xiaomi unveils 3-nm self-driving chip for 2027 commercial launch, joining NIO in race against Tesla

Xiaomi has unveiled its in-house self-driving chip, the Xring D100, for commercial deployment in 2027. The chip will be built on a 3-nanometre process and features a 20-core CPU and 16-core NPU. It will run large language models with 200 billion parameters locally. Xiaomi's electric vehicles currently rely mainly on Nvidia's Thor chips for smart-driving systems. The company joins other Chinese automakers developing proprietary autonomous driving technology. NIO's CEO William Li previously said in-house chip design would be more cost-efficient than competitors. XPeng has outlined its roadmap to Level 4 autonomous driving by 2028. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced plans for the Terafab semiconductor facility in Texas, which would develop chips using a 2-nanometre process.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 21st, 2026
Nio braces for Q2 earnings as retail sentiment nears record low

Nio reports second-quarter earnings on 1 September as US-listed shares head for a fourth consecutive monthly loss. Fiscal.ai expects revenue to surge nearly 69% to 33.60 billion yuan, with EBITDA swinging to a profit of 1.81 billion yuan from a 3.75 billion yuan loss last year. The Chinese EV maker delivered 107,658 vehicles during the quarter, up 49% year-on-year but below guidance of 110,000 to 115,000 units. First-half deliveries climbed 67.4% to 191,123 vehicles. Nio's premium-heavy product mix may help defend margins. First-quarter gross margin reached a four-year high of 19%, whilst vehicle margin climbed to 18.8%. The company posted adjusted operating profit of 66.8 million yuan and adjusted net income of 43.5 million yuan in the first quarter.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 1st, 2026
NIO launches 4,000th China swap station with first fifth generation site

NIO has launched its first fifth-generation battery swap station in China, marking the company's 4,000th swap station in the country. The new generation stations are designed for faster battery swaps, larger energy storage, and compatibility across all NIO brands. The electric vehicle manufacturer plans to expand to more than 5,000 fifth-generation stations, with management targeting over 10,000 stations by 2030. The rollout aims to support additional capacity, enhance customer experience, and enable multi-brand coverage. NIO currently trades at $4.88, approximately 34% below the analyst consensus target of $7.35. The share price has declined 1.8% over the past 30 days. The swap network expansion represents a capital-intensive initiative as NIO positions its service model within China's competitive EV market.