Software Engineer at Celestial AI — Career Guide 2026
Role Overview
As a Software Engineer at Celestial AI, you will be instrumental in developing the software stack that powers our revolutionary photonic interconnect technology for AI. This role involves working on low-level drivers, firmware, high-performance computing libraries, and integration with AI frameworks. You'll contribute to creating a seamless and efficient software environment that unlocks the full potential of our optical solutions, enabling unprecedented performance for next-generation AI workloads.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement high-performance software for photonic interconnect hardware.
- Develop firmware, drivers, and APIs for controlling and managing optical components.
- Optimize software for latency, throughput, and power efficiency in AI acceleration environments.
- Integrate photonic interconnect solutions with existing AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and HPC systems.
- Collaborate with hardware engineers, AI architects, and research teams to define software requirements and interfaces.
Required Skills
Strong proficiency in C/C++, Python, and experience with low-level programming (firmware, drivers). Deep understanding of operating systems, computer architecture, and high-performance computing. Experience with parallel programming (e.g., CUDA, OpenMP), network programming, and cloud platforms. Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and frameworks is highly desirable. Excellent debugging skills and experience with hardware-software co-design are crucial.
Interview Process
The interview process at Celestial AI is typically rigorous, spanning 5-6 rounds. It starts with a recruiter screen, followed by a technical phone screen focusing on C/C++ and data structures. Subsequent rounds include multiple technical interviews covering low-level programming, system architecture, HPC, and potentially specific areas like networking or AI framework integration. A final behavioral and leadership interview with senior management will also be part of the process. Expect whiteboard coding and in-depth discussions on complex technical challenges.
Salary & Compensation
Software Engineers at Celestial AI can expect a highly competitive salary range of $170K-$260K, reflecting the specialized nature of the work. Compensation packages typically include a strong base salary, significant equity grants (stock options or RSUs), and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, vision insurance, and a 401K with company match. Performance-based bonuses are also common.
Why Join Celestial AI?
Joining Celestial AI offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of photonics and AI, building foundational technology that will power the next generation of AI supercomputers. You'll be part of a team pushing the boundaries of what's possible in data transfer and processing, solving some of the most challenging problems in high-performance computing. The environment is fast-paced, intellectually stimulating, and offers immense growth potential as the company scales its groundbreaking technology.
Tips for Applicants
- Highlight Low-Level & HPC Expertise: Emphasize any experience with firmware, drivers, operating systems, or high-performance computing. This is a core requirement.
- Understand Hardware-Software Co-Design: Be prepared to discuss how you approach software development when tightly coupled with novel hardware. Show your ability to bridge these domains.
- Research Photonic Interconnects: Demonstrate genuine interest and a basic understanding of photonic technology and its implications for AI. Show you've done your homework on Celestial AI's mission.