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High Performance Computing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$100K - $500K/yr

We are seeking a CPU Performance Modeling Architect to help shape the next generation of high-performance RISC-V CPUs optimized for AI and high-performance computing applications. This role is ideal ...

The Role and Impact As a CPU Performance Architect, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Intel's cutting-edge CPU designs, driving innovation across high-performance computing and ...

The Role and Impact As a CPU Performance Architect, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Intel's cutting-edge CPU designs, driving innovation across high-performance computing and ...

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Showing results 1-20

High Performance Computing information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$98.2K

$151.5K

How much do high performance computing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for high performance computing in California is $98,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $124,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in High Performance Computing?

Professionals in High Performance Computing (HPC) are often responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining powerful computing clusters tailored for processing large data sets or running complex simulations. Daily tasks may include optimizing code and workflows for parallel environments, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and supporting researchers or engineers in using HPC resources efficiently. Collaboration is common, as HPC specialists work closely with IT staff, domain scientists, and software developers to ensure systems meet project and organizational goals. This role provides a challenging and dynamic work environment, offering opportunities to continually learn about emerging technologies and methodologies in computational science.

Does HPC pay well?

High Performance Computing (HPC) professionals typically earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as programming, system administration, and knowledge of parallel processing. Salaries vary based on experience, education, and location but generally align with other technology and engineering roles in the industry.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

High Performance Computing (HPC) engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in parallel programming, and expertise in hardware and software optimization can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in senior or specialized roles within large tech companies or research institutions. Such positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of innovation and leadership in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the High Performance Computing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in High Performance Computing, you need expertise in parallel computing, computer architecture, and programming languages such as C/C++ or Fortran, often backed by a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with HPC cluster management, job scheduling systems (e.g., SLURM), and experience with accelerators like GPUs or cloud platforms is crucial; certifications in Linux administration or HPC technologies are advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities help professionals excel in complex, collaborative environments. These qualifications enable the efficient design, deployment, and maintenance of advanced computing infrastructure to support scientific and engineering applications.

What is the highest paying computing job?

High Performance Computing (HPC) specialists, including roles like HPC engineers and computational scientists, tend to have some of the highest salaries in the computing field due to their specialized skills in managing large-scale systems, parallel processing, and high-performance hardware. Senior positions with advanced expertise in parallel programming, cluster management, and relevant certifications can earn six-figure salaries, especially in industries like finance, research, and technology. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and industry demand.

What is a High Performance Computing job?

A High Performance Computing (HPC) job involves designing, managing, and optimizing advanced computing systems used for complex calculations, simulations, and data processing. Professionals in this field work with supercomputers, parallel computing frameworks, and high-speed networks to enhance computational efficiency. HPC specialists are commonly employed in scientific research, engineering, finance, and artificial intelligence to solve large-scale problems. Responsibilities often include developing algorithms, maintaining HPC clusters, and improving system performance.

What is a high-performance computing job?

A high-performance computing (HPC) job involves using powerful computer systems and parallel processing techniques to perform complex calculations and data analysis at high speeds. These roles often require knowledge of programming, cluster management, and specialized software to optimize computational tasks in fields like scientific research, engineering, or data science.
What are the most commonly searched types of High Performance Computing jobs in California? The most popular types of High Performance Computing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to High Performance Computing jobs in California? For High Performance Computing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching High Performance Computing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for High Performance Computing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for High Performance Computing jobs? Cities in California with the most High Performance Computing job openings:
Infographic showing various High Performance Computing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,224 per year, or $47.2 per hour.
ML Kernel Performance Engineer, AWS Neuron, Annapurna Labs

ML Kernel Performance Engineer, AWS Neuron, Annapurna Labs

Amazon

Cupertino, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

The Annapurna Labs team at Amazon Web Services (AWS) builds AWS Neuron, the software development kit used to accelerate deep learning and GenAI workloads on Amazon's custom machine learning accelerators, Inferentia and Trainium.
The Acceleration Kernel Library team is at the forefront of maximizing performance for AWS's custom ML accelerators. Working at the hardware-software boundary, our engineers craft high-performance kernels for ML functions, ensuring every FLOP counts in delivering optimal performance for our customers' demanding workloads. We combine deep hardware knowledge with ML expertise to push the boundaries of what's possible in AI acceleration.
The AWS Neuron SDK, developed by the Annapurna Labs team at AWS, is the backbone for accelerating deep learning and GenAI workloads on Amazon's Inferentia and Trainium ML accelerators

This comprehensive toolkit includes an ML compiler, runtime, and application framework that seamlessly integrates with popular ML frameworks like PyTorch, enabling unparalleled ML inference and training performance.
As part of the broader Neuron Compiler organization, our team works across multiple technology layers - from frameworks and compilers to runtime and collectives. We not only optimize current performance but also contribute to future architecture designs, working closely with customers to enable their models and ensure optimal performance. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of machine learning, high-performance computing, and distributed architectures, where you'll help shape the future of AI acceleration technology
This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge products at the intersection of machine-learning, high-performance computing, and distributed architectures

You will architect and implement business-critical features, publish cutting-edge research, and mentor a brilliant team of experienced engineers. We operate in spaces that are very large, yet our teams remain small and agile. There is no blueprint.

We're inventing. We're experimenting. It is a very unique learning culture.

The team works closely with customers on their model enablement, providing direct support and optimization expertise to ensure their machine learning workloads achieve optimal performance on AWS ML accelerators.
Explore the product and our history.
https://awsdocs-neuron.readthedocs-hosted.com/en/latest/neuron-guide/neuron-cc/index.html
https://aws.amazon.com/machine-learning/neuron/
https://github.com/aws/aws-neuron-sdk
https://www.amazon.science/how-silicon-innovation-became-the-secret-sauce-behind-awss-success
Key job responsibilities
Our kernel engineers collaborate across compiler, runtime, framework, and hardware teams to optimize machine learning workloads for our global customer base. Working at the intersection of software, hardware, and machine learning systems, you'll bring expertise in low-level optimization, system architecture, and ML model acceleration

In this role, you will:
* Design and implement high-performance compute kernels for ML operations, leveraging the Neuron architecture and programming models
* Analyze and optimize kernel-level performance across multiple generations of Neuron hardware
* Conduct detailed performance analysis using profiling tools to identify and resolve bottlenecks
* Implement compiler optimizations such as fusion, sharding, tiling, and scheduling
* Work directly with customers to enable and optimize their ML models on AWS accelerators
* Collaborate across teams to develop innovative kernel optimization techniques
A day in the life
As you design and code solutions to help our team drive efficiencies in software architecture, you'll create metrics, implement automation and other improvements, and resolve the root cause of software defects. You'll also:
Build high-impact solutions to deliver to our large customer base.
Participate in design discussions, code review, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Work cross-functionally to help drive business decisions with your technical input.
Work in a startup-like development environment, where you're always working on the most important stuff.
About the team
#1. Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences

Even if you do not meet all of the qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.
#2. Why AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform

We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that's why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
#3. Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, we embrace our differences. We are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion

We have ten employee-led affinity groups, reaching 40,000 employees in over 190 chapters globally. We have innovative benefit offerings, and host annual and ongoing learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon (gender diversity) conferences. Amazon's culture of inclusion is reinforced within our 16 Leadership Principles, which remind team members to seek diverse perspectives, learn and be curious, and earn trust.
#4

Work/Life Balance
Our team puts a high value on work-life balance. It isn't about how many hours you spend at home or at work; it's about the flow you establish that brings energy to both parts of your life. We believe striking the right balance between your personal and professional life is critical to life-long happiness and fulfillment.

We offer flexibility in working hours and encourage you to find your own balance between your work and personal lives.
#5. Mentorship & Career Growth
Our team is dedicated to supporting new members. We have a broad mix of experience levels and tenures, and we're building an environment that celebrates knowledge sharing and mentorship

We care about your career growth and strive to assign projects based on what will help each team member develop into a better-rounded professional and enable them to take on more complex tasks in the future.


Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US