Mike Gao

Software Engineer

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

About

Never interested in the status-quo, I'm motivated by innovative companies working on cutting-edge technology or interesting and high-risk projects that make a meaningful difference in the world. I’ve been fortunate to help drive innovation at some of the most exciting companies and universities in the world, working to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds.
 I am a Software Engineer hailing from Shanghai proper who attended prep school in the New England area. While almost nothing beats a hot cup of New England clam chowder, I traded it in for the Canadian northern lights. Where did my curiosity for computer science come from? I have long been drawn to Computer Science because I believe that the computing industry is the only frontier that inspires unity between otherwise disparate areas of science and allows for objective analysis of society’s most pressing problems. While my main interest now is in compilers and realistic rendering techniques, I have previously worked on algorithmic trading, face recognition technologies, and generative adversarial networks. Where can you find me outside of coding? You may find me swimming recreationally, traveling to exotic places around the world, or testing my investment thesis on financial markets. Reach out to me if you are also working on cutting-edge technology or interesting and high-risk projects.

Experience

  • Member of Technical Staff at Cerebras Systems
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

    ML Runtime / Compiler

  • Software Engineer, AR Graphics at Google
    Dec 2024 - Mar 2025 · 4 mos

    AR Graphics Team

  • Software Engineer at Qualcomm
    Aug 2023 - Dec 2024 · 1 yr 5 mos

    Chips on cars, duh.

  • Software Engineer at Google
    Oct 2022 - Apr 2023 · 7 mos

    Google Labs (defunct) - AR Device Software Group - Project Iris I worked on the design and engineering of the display controller for the next generation AR Glasses at Google.

  • Teaching Assistant at McGill University
    Jan 2022 - May 2022 · 5 mos

    Teaching Assistant @ Concurrent Programming