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High Performance Computing Engineer Jobs in California

RadixArk

Performance Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... high-performance computing • Familiarity with profiling tools, performance debugging, tracing ... both engineers and customers Preferred : • Experience with CUDA, Triton, Pallas, ROCm, XLA, or ...

RadixArk

Performance Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... high-performance computing • Familiarity with profiling tools, performance debugging, tracing ... both engineers and customers Preferred : • Experience with CUDA, Triton, Pallas, ROCm, XLA, or ...

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High Performance Computing Engineer information

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How much do high performance computing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for high performance computing engineer in California is $59.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.65 and $67.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a high performance computing engineer?

A High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer is a specialist who designs, builds, and maintains advanced computing systems that deliver exceptional processing power for complex computational tasks. These professionals optimize hardware and software environments to support scientific research, large-scale simulations, and data-intensive applications. They work with supercomputers, clusters, and cloud HPC resources, ensuring high efficiency, scalability, and reliability. HPC Engineers also support researchers and organizations in maximizing the performance of their computing infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a high performance computing engineer?

To thrive as a High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, parallel programming, and distributed systems, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with HPC clusters, Linux/Unix environments, programming languages like C/C++ or Python, and tools such as MPI, OpenMP, and job schedulers is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for optimizing system performance and collaborating with researchers or end-users. These abilities ensure efficient computational solutions, maximize resource utilization, and drive innovation in data-intensive scientific or engineering projects.

What are some common challenges high performance computing engineers face when optimizing system performance?

High Performance Computing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing resource allocation, managing workload distribution, and minimizing system bottlenecks. They must ensure that hardware and software components interact efficiently, which can require deep knowledge of parallel computing, networking, and storage systems. Additionally, staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies and troubleshooting complex performance issues are integral parts of the role. Collaborating closely with researchers and IT teams is essential to tailor solutions that meet specific computational needs.

What is the difference between High Performance Computing Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectHigh Performance Computing EngineerData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in computer science, engineering, or related fields; knowledge of parallel computingBachelor's or master's in data science, statistics, or related fields; programming skills in Python, R
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, supercomputing centersBusiness, tech firms, research institutions
Industry UsageSupercomputing, scientific research, simulationsData analysis, machine learning, predictive modeling

High Performance Computing Engineers focus on developing and optimizing large-scale computing systems for scientific and technical applications, while Data Scientists analyze data to extract insights. Both roles require programming skills and work in tech-driven environments, but their core objectives differ: system performance versus data analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in California?

For High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for High Performance Computing Engineer jobs in California are:

High Performance Computing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various High Performance Computing Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,381 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Sr. Software Engineer, High Performance Computing (Starlink)

SpaceX

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$175K - $240K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. All Starlink satellites have laser terminals to connect with other Starlink satellites, creating a large laser mesh network in orbit. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for the world's best engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
As a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges that improve our ability to fully utilize the hardware we have deployed. Our goal is to provide customers with the best possible satellite internet experience, often providing under-served communities with affordable, life-changing broadband internet access.
Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop highly reliable, real-time software that determines which beams (user, laser, gateway, etc) should be formed in order to provide the best possible user experience for our low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite-based global network.
  • Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
  • Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
  • Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit testing.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline and 5+ years of professional experience in software development experience; OR 7+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree.
  • Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real-time, resource-constrained, high-performance computing.
  • Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
  • Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
  • Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Level 3: $175,000 - $240,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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