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Perf Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... perf metrics (FPS, React profiler, network traces) • Mentor teammates: review code for clarity, structure, and maintainability Qualifications : Required : • 5-8+ years building and shipping ...

GPU Power Analysis Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

Be engaged and contribute to competitive perf/power analysis for popular benchmark/games to identify or be able to explain the gaps with reasonable evidence which could lead to next generation ...

Description As a GPU performance modeling engineer, you will be responsible for developing cycle-approximate perf C/C++ models in close collaboration with architects and designers. Additionally, you ...

... flamegraphs, perf counters, assembly inspection, and Linux kernel interfaces • Proven track record of writing systems code other engineers build on clean interfaces, minimal dependencies ...

Description As a GPU performance modeling engineer, you will be responsible for developing cycle-approximate perf C/C++ models in close collaboration with architects and designers. Additionally, you ...

Senior Software Development Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$143K - $188K/yr

... perf is preferred • Working experience with network security products(Firewall/IPS/ADC/WAF) is preferred. • knowledge in performance tuning is preferred. Company : Fortinet is a provider of ...

Showing results 41-60

Perf information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do perf jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for perf in California is $16.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $16.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a perf?

In a professional context, 'Perf' is typically an abbreviation for 'Performance Engineer' or 'Performance Test Engineer.' This role involves analyzing, testing, and optimizing the performance of software applications or systems. Perf professionals use specialized tools to identify bottlenecks, ensure scalability, and make recommendations for improvements to maintain optimal system performance. They collaborate with development and operations teams to ensure applications meet performance requirements and service level agreements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a perfusionist?

To thrive as a Perfusionist, you need a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, typically backed by a bachelor's degree and certification from an accredited perfusion program. Expertise in operating heart-lung machines, ECMO devices, and other advanced life-support systems is crucial. Attention to detail, composure under pressure, and strong communication skills are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes during complex surgical procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.

What are some common challenges faced by performance engineers and how can they be addressed?

Performance Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying bottlenecks in complex systems, balancing resource constraints, and optimizing application responsiveness under varying loads. To address these challenges, it is important to use robust monitoring tools, collaborate closely with development and operations teams, and proactively test applications in environments that simulate real-world usage. Emphasizing clear communication and thorough documentation also helps ensure that performance improvements are sustainable and understood across the team.

What is the difference between Perf vs Data Analyst?

AspectPerfData Analyst
Required CredentialsPerformance testing certifications, technical skillsStatistics, data analysis certifications, SQL, Excel
Work EnvironmentIT, software testing teams, performance optimization projectsBusiness, finance, marketing departments, data interpretation
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, software firms, gaming industryVarious industries including finance, healthcare, marketing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Perf specialists focus on testing and optimizing system performance, often requiring technical certifications and working within IT teams. Data Analysts interpret data to inform business decisions, requiring analytical skills and data certifications. While both roles involve data and technical skills, Perf is more technical and system-focused, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and reporting.

What are popular job titles related to Perf jobs in California?

For Perf jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Perf job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,567 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Senior Silicon Power and Thermal Controllers Engineer

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing - an era in which our GPUs act as the brains of the computers, robots, and self-driving cars that understand the world. NVIDIA's Silicon Co-Design Group (SCG) is the team that gets every GPU, SoC, and CPU silicon program from first power-on to high-volume production. SCG sits at the crossroads of architecture, design, marketing, operations, and productization, and we architect innovative solutions for Datacenter, Server, Gaming, Robotics, Automotive, and Embedded markets.
We are hiring a Senior Silicon Power and Thermal Controllers Engineer to design, implement, and productize the power-performance and thermal-control mechanisms that ship inside every GPU, CPU, and SoC. This is not a pure firmware role, nor is it a generic power-analysis role - you live at the seam where silicon, firmware, platform, and software meet, and your controllers decide how much performance our products can sustain within their thermal and power envelopes. The exceptional hire uses AI deliberately to compress debug and modeling cycles, with the judgment to know where it accelerates real work and where it introduces risk.
What you'll be doing:
  • Design, implement, and tune silicon power and thermal controllers in close partnership with firmware, hardware, software, and design/power-architecture teams - from spec through productization.
  • Drive debug and resolution of power-limiting constraints, and deliver efficient, time-to-market product-specific customizations that unlock performance without compromising the thermal envelope.
  • Deliver system-level power optimizations spanning silicon, platform, software, and manufacturing - for products ranging from large-scale datacenter accelerators to low-power client devices.
  • Partner with the SCG Tools team to left-shift modeling, analysis, and test infrastructure - refine methodologies, sharpen procedures, and bring new closed-loop techniques into production.
  • Validate silicon power and thermal features across multi-functional teams from bring-up through production silicon, and be responsible for the WARs and productized fixes through to confirmation.
  • Translate complex power, thermal, and performance signals into decision-ready options that give leadership the clarity to act on POR, binning, and program-impacting risks.
  • Work alongside system architects, chip and board designers, software/firmware engineers, power-architecture engineers, Product Definition Engineers, and ATE engineers in a high-energy environment to bring industry-defining products to market.

What we need to see:
  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 6+ years implementing power and thermal controllers in firmware for GPU, CPU, or SoC products.
  • Hands-on experience with system-level silicon bring-up and validation, DVFS, power characterization and modeling, performance analysis, and perf-per-watt optimization.
  • Background in implementing system-level features, thermal policies, and data-analysis and statistics workflows.
  • Solid understanding of digital design, circuit analysis, CPU/GPU/SoC architecture, PTPX, advanced process technologies, and transistor/device physics.
  • Demonstrated experience operating across globally distributed and offshore engineering teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication; able to translate complex post-silicon signals into crisp, decision-ready options for executive leadership.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • Background in gaming, automotive, or datacenter market segments - you know how the power-thermal trade space changes across those product classes.
  • Track record of shipping system-level perf-per-watt or thermal-policy features that measurably improved a product at scale.
  • Proficiency with AI productivity tools (Claude, Copilot, ChatGPT, or equivalent) applied to power debug, modeling, or analysis workflows - and a clear view of the outcome and the guardrails you put in place.
  • Comfort navigating ambiguity, building technical structure inside fast-moving silicon programs, and working with global teams from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Our team is at the forefront of silicon innovation, advancing groundbreaking technologies. We offer a dynamic work environment where your contributions will directly impact the company's success. Join us to advance your career in a role where you can truly make a difference. With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered one of the technology industry's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us, and due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you!
#LI-Hybrid
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for Level 4, and 196,000 USD - 310,500 USD for Level 5.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 1, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993