MAX Platform Tooling Engineer

About the role:

At Modular, we're on a mission to make AI accessible to everyone. As a MAX Platform Tooling Engineer, you'll help realize this vision by leading our debugging initiatives. You'll be taking ownership of these critical developer experience areas for Mojo, which combines performance and expressiveness to unlock the full potential of modern hardware for AI. In this role, you'll design and implement powerful debugging tools and interactive programming environments that empower developers to build efficiently, troubleshoot effectively, and accelerate innovation across the AI stack.

LOCATION:   Candidates based in the US or Canada are welcome to apply. To support growth and collaboration, those in earlier career stages work in a hybrid capacity at our Los Altos, CA office (minimum 2 days per week on-site) with relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates. Senior members have both in office or remote flexibility. All new hires complete onboarding in-person in our Los Altos, CA office.

What you will do:

• Design, build, and maintain key technologies that support the Mojo compiler, such as the REPL, CPU/GPU debuggers, language servers (LSPs), and tracing tools.
• Collaborate closely with compiler and kernel teams to create innovative debugging workflows that significantly improve developer productivity.
• Ensure seamless integration of these technologies with our compiler and other parts of our platform.
• Participate in design discussions and code reviews to uphold high engineering standards.
• Engage with the external Modular community and open source community to support high-quality contributions and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Mentor junior engineers and support their growth.

What you bring to the table:

• Typically 7+ years of experience in systems programming, debugging infrastructure, compilers, or related low-level tools.
• Hands-on experience with modern debugger internals (like GDB or LLDB) and a strong understanding of the DWARF debugging format.
• Familiarity with LLVM, and MLIR particularly in systems or compiler-related contexts.
• Excellent programming skills in C++, or other relevant systems programming focused languages.
• Strong understanding of computer architecture and operating systems.
• A collaborative mindset, intellectual curiosity, and a drive to solve complex technical challenges as part of a high-performing team.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong alignment with Modular’s cultural values and a desire to help build a thoughtful, inclusive engineering culture.
• Deep knowledge of OS internals that matter for debugging — including process layout, threading models, and signal handling on Linux and macOS.

Helpful but not required:

• Experience working with Nvidia (CUDA-gdb) or AMD (ROCgdb) debugging tools.
• Prior experience with Mojo, especially with an accepted contribution to the Mojo open source repository.
• Background in integrating debuggers like LLDB or GDB into IDEs, especially if you’ve worked with Debug Adapter Protocol (DAP) or LSP workflows.
• In-depth understanding of GDB/LLDB features, including remote debugging setups using gdbserver or LLDB’s remote platform support.
• Experience with LLVM’s JIT infrastructure (e.g., MCJIT, ORCJIT), particularly in interactive environments like REPLs.
• Familiarity with writing or extending compiler grammars or parsers, especially in REPL-friendly languages.
• Hands-on experience with GPU or AI kernel development, especially for high-performance compute workloads.
• Proficiency in Python, especially if you've worked on Python debuggers, mixed-language debugging (C++/Python), or introspection tools that bridge dynamic and compiled code.
• Experience building or extending developer tooling in VSCode, especially through custom extensions.
• A bachelors  degree in Computer Science or a related field or equivalent experience.

What Modular brings to the table:

• Amazing Team. We are a progressive and agile team with some of the industry’s best engineering and product leaders.
• World-class Benefits. In order to attract the best, we need to offer the best. Premier insurance plans, up to 5% 401k matching, flexible paid time off, and more are available to you! Please note that specific benefit packages may vary based on your location.
• Competitive Compensation. We offer very strong compensation packages, including stock options. We want people to be focused on their best work and believe in tailoring compensation plans to meet the needs of our workforce. 
• Team Building Events. We organize regular team onsites and local meetups in Los Altos, CA as well as different cities. Traveling 2-4 times a year is expected for all roles. 

Working at Modular will enable you to grow quickly as you work alongside incredibly motivated and talented people who have high standards, possess a growth mindset, and a purpose to truly change the world.

The estimated base salary range for this role to be performed in the US, regardless of the state, is $198,000.00 - $273,000.00 USD. 
The estimated base salary range for this role to be performed in Canada, regardless of the province, is $187,000.00 - $258,000.00 CAD.
The salary for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of permissible, non-discriminatory job-related factors, which include but are not limited to education, training, work experience, business needs, or market demands. This range may be modified in the future. The total compensation for a candidate will also include annual target bonus, equity, and benefits, with equity making up a significant portion of your total compensation.

For candidates who fall outside of the listed requirements, we nevertheless encourage you to apply as we may have openings that are lower/higher level than the ones advertised.