Fall 2026

LLM Algorithmic Optimization Engineer Intern

Nio

Nio

5,001-10,000 employees

Develops and sells premium smart EVs

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.

NIO designs, develops, manufactures and sells premium smart electric vehicles and builds a community aroundEV ownership. Its cars are high‑end SUVs and sedans that integrate autonomous driving, digital technologies and advanced electric powertrains. The company differentiates itself with services and technologies such as Battery as a Service (BaaS) and battery swapping stations, as well as proprietary autonomous driving systems and an Autonomous Driving as a Service (ADaaS) offering. NIO’s products work by pairing electric vehicles with a flexible battery service model and software-driven driving features that continuously improve through over‑the‑air updates and on‑vehicle sensors. The company aims to let customers share joy and grow with a user community while advancing next‑generation mobility through its EV lineup and related services.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Huangpu, China

Founded

2014

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Q2 2026 revenue hit RMB32.14 billion, with 107,658 deliveries and positive adjusted profit.
  • Battery-swap stations reached 4,123 worldwide, supporting recurring services revenue and stickier customers.
  • August 2026 deliveries rose 14.5%, driven by ES8, ONVO, and Firefly demand.

What critics are saying

  • Europe registrations collapsed in 2026, exposing weak overseas demand and wasted capital.
  • China recalled 246,229 ES8, ES6, and EC6 vehicles in February 2026 for software failures.
  • NIO still burns cash, carries going-concern language, and faces an investor lawsuit.

What makes Nio unique

  • NIO's battery-swapping network and BaaS lock users into a proprietary ecosystem.
  • NIO now spans premium NIO, mass-market ONVO, and Firefly brands.
  • NIO's software-defined vehicles and OTA fixes differentiate it from legacy automakers.

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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

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
Yahoo Finance
Sep 11th, 2026
NIO posts 18.5% vehicle margin but Europe registrations crash 89% in key markets

NIO reported second-quarter 2026 results showing operational progress in China but continued European struggles. The Chinese electric vehicle maker delivered 107,658 vehicles, up 49.4% year-over-year, with revenue rising 69.1% to RMB32.14 billion ($4.74 billion), though this missed Wall Street's $4.95 billion consensus. Vehicle gross margin improved to 18.5% from 10.3% a year earlier. Net loss narrowed 89.4% year-over-year to RMB0.5 billion, and the company posted an adjusted net profit of RMB26.1 million. However, European performance deteriorated sharply. Germany saw just three NIO registrations in July, down 93.6% year-over-year, whilst Netherlands registrations fell 87.9% in the first seven months of 2026. J.P. Morgan downgraded the stock post-earnings to $4.50, citing concerns about flat-to-declining China demand in 2027. Hedge fund ownership dropped from 31 to 27 funds in Q2.

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.