Principal Edge AI Software Engineer
NXP Semiconductors · Kanata ·
- Seniority
- Principal
- Category
- AI engineering
- Experience
- 3+ years
NXP Semiconductors · Kanata ·
Location: Kanata, Ontario, Canada
About the Role
Join NXP’s AI & Chip Engineering (ACE) organization—one of the company’s flagship hubs for Edge AI innovation—based in Kanata. You’ll work at the forefront of embedded AI, enabling next-generation agentic AI, generative AI, and machine learning workloads on automotive and edge platforms. Your contributions will directly power intelligent systems across automotive, robotics, and industrial applications—where real-time, reliable AI matters. This role focuses on translating advanced AI models into optimized, production-grade embedded solutions, driving performance, efficiency, and scalability on NXP silicon.
What You’ll Do
Design, develop, and optimize high-performance Edge AI software for NXP embedded SoCs (MCU/MPU/NPU)
Enable deployment of machine learning and generative AI models, build and integrate AI runtimes, inference engines, and model pipelines for real-time execution
Drive performance optimization (latency, memory, power) through low-level system tuning
Collaborate across system, silicon, and AI teams to deliver end-to-end AI solutions
Participate in the full lifecycle: architecture → implementation → validation → production
Contribute to next-gen Edge AI frameworks and platform enablement
Core Qualifications
Bachelor’s (minimum) or Master’s/PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 10+ years of overall experience
3+ years of experience in embedded software development (C/C++, Python)
Strong experience with Linux-based embedded systems and performance-critical applications
Understanding of processor architectures (ARM, SIMD/NEON, GPU/NPU acceleration)
Experience with AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, ONNX Runtime, LiteRT) or custom runtimes, implementing or deploying AI/ML, DSP, or computer vision algorithms
Proven track record in system-level optimization (CPU, memory, I/O, vectorization)
Strong debugging, profiling, and analytical skills
Preferred Skills
Familiarity with hardware acceleration and offload (OpenCL, CUDA, DSP toolchains)
Experience with model optimization techniques (quantization, pruning, graph optimization)
Knowledge of automotive standards (ISO 26262, Automotive SPICE, AUTOSAR, MISRA)
Exposure to Edge AI deployment pipelines and benchmarking methodologies
What Sets You Apart
Passion for bringing AI to real-world embedded systems
Ability to operate across software, hardware, and AI domains
Strong ownership mindset with the ability to lead technical initiatives
Collaborative and proactive approach in cross-functional environments
Why Join NXP
Work on real-world AI systems deployed at scale across automotive and edge domains
Be part of a globally recognized leader in secure embedded processing
Access continuous learning, career growth, and cutting-edge innovation opportunities
Contribute to a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future
About NXP
NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) enables a smarter, safer and more sustainable world through innovation. As the world leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, NXP is pushing boundaries in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets.
For more information, please visit our website
Please note that the base salary range (OR hourly rate) is a guideline, and individual total compensation may vary based on a number of factors such as qualifications, skill level, work location, and other business and organizational needs. This base pay range is specific to roles in our Canada locations and is not applicable to other locations. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range as of the date of this posting is: $121,000 to $165,000 CAD.
Career Development Opportunities
Bright Minds. Bright Futures.
We believe that a key component to growing our business is to develop our people. To enable you to grow your career at NXP, we offer online and offline learning opportunities to help you develop some of your core and professional skills.
Visit our careers website for more job information.
Commitment At NXP.
We recognize NXP is a powerful change agent as we continue to deliver innovative solutions that advance a more sustainable future. We remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability and making measurable year-on-year progress. Also, we aim to create an inclusive work environment and we will not tolerate racism, discrimination or harassment of any kind. We have programs in place focused on diversity, inclusion and equality. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion | NXP Semiconductors
More information about NXP in Canada...