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Performance Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Systems Performance Architect

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$206K/yr

The System Performance Architecture team is responsible for all aspects of performance spanning hardware (CPU, GPU, DRAM, storage), software (OS, drivers, applications), and other system ...

AT&T

Lead Performance Architect

Tustin, CA · On-site

$105K - $158K/yr

Performance Architects focus on performance outcomes-not just training-by evaluating root causes and implementing solutions that may include coaching, learning, communications, process improvements ...

Apple

Systems Performance Architect

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

The System Performance Architecture team is responsible for all aspects of performance spanning hardware (CPU, GPU, DRAM, storage), software (OS, drivers, applications), and other system ...

AT&T

Lead Performance Architect

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$105K - $158K/yr

Performance Architects focus on performance outcomes-not just training-by evaluating root causes and implementing solutions that may include coaching, learning, communications, process improvements ...

AT and T

Lead Performance Architect

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$105K - $158K/yr

Performance Architects focus on performance outcomes-not just training-by evaluating root causes and implementing solutions that may include coaching, learning, communications, process improvements ...

SiFive

Core Performance Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$254K - $310K/yr

The performance architect will guide the performance team to work closely with the architect and the design team to research and develop the highest performance core architecture / micro-architecture.

SiFive

Core Performance Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$254K - $310K/yr

The performance architect will guide the performance team to work closely with the architect and the design team to research and develop the highest performance core architecture / micro-architecture.

SiFive

Core Performance Architect

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$254K - $310K/yr

The performance architect will guide the performance team to work closely with the architect and the design team to research and develop the highest performance core architecture / micro-architecture.

quadric, Inc

Senior Performance Architect

Burlingame, CA

$188K/yr

As a Senior Performance Architect, you will be the critical link between software and hardware, responsible for understanding how code executes on Quadric's architecture and identifying opportunities ...

Google

CPU Performance Architect

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$197K/yr

Experience with the ARM instruction set architecture (ISA) and ecosystem. * Experience characterizing and optimizing mobile or client platform power/performance and thermal management states (e.g ...

quadric, Inc

Senior Performance Architect

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$188K/yr

As a Senior Performance Architect, you will be the critical link between software and hardware, responsible for understanding how code executes on Quadric's architecture and identifying opportunities ...

Nvidia Corporation

CPU Performance Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$196K/yr

Join our CPU Performance Architecture team in Santa Clara, CA, and be part of a company that is pushing boundaries and making an outstanding impact globally. This is your opportunity to help build ...

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Performance Architect information

See California salary details

$154.5K

$165.8K

How much do performance architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for performance architect in California is $165,645.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $164,800.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Performance Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Performance Architect, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, performance engineering, and capacity planning, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with performance analysis tools like JMeter, LoadRunner, APM suites (e.g., Dynatrace, New Relic), and cloud platforms is crucial. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure optimized system performance, scalability, and reliability, directly impacting user experience and organizational success.

What Does a Performance Architect Do?

As a performance architect, you optimize performance within a company, software system, or application. Your duties include collecting data and information on the processes you wish to optimize, identifying areas for improvement and developing strategies or process improvements to bring about those positive changes. In most cases, you test the performance of the system or process before implementing changes. Performance architects who work on computer software and hardware systems sometimes handle coding responsibilities themselves. In this job, you also help troubleshoot when problems arise with a software system, manufacturing process, or business practice.

What does a performance architect do?

A performance architect designs and implements strategies to optimize the performance of software systems, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and reliability. They analyze system bottlenecks, develop performance testing plans, and often work with tools like monitoring software and profiling tools to ensure systems meet performance goals.

How does a Performance Architect typically collaborate with development and operations teams to optimize system performance?

Performance Architects work closely with both development and operations teams to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks throughout the software lifecycle. They often participate in design reviews, conduct performance testing, and analyze system metrics to recommend optimizations. Regular communication and knowledge sharing are crucial, as Performance Architects translate technical findings into actionable tasks for developers and provide guidance to operations on monitoring and tuning the production environment. This collaborative approach ensures that performance goals are met efficiently and sustainably.

What is a Performance Architect?

A Performance Architect is a specialized IT professional responsible for designing and optimizing the performance of software systems, applications, or infrastructure. They analyze system bottlenecks, create performance testing strategies, and recommend improvements to ensure systems can handle expected workloads efficiently. Performance Architects often collaborate with developers, system administrators, and stakeholders to ensure that products meet performance requirements such as speed, scalability, and reliability.

Which architect is highly paid?

Among architecture roles, enterprise or solutions architects tend to have higher salaries due to their strategic responsibilities and technical expertise. Performance architects, focusing on system optimization and scalability, also earn competitive wages, especially with advanced certifications and experience. Salary levels vary based on industry, location, and company size.

What is the salary of performance test architect?

The salary of a performance test architect typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles with specialized skills in performance testing tools like JMeter or LoadRunner may command higher compensation.

What is the difference between Performance Architect vs Performance Engineer?

AspectPerformance ArchitectPerformance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect may be beneficialUsually holds a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering; certifications such as Certified Performance Testing Professional are common
Work EnvironmentDesigns high-level performance strategies, collaborates with architects and developers, often in planning phasesExecutes performance testing, analyzes bottlenecks, and implements improvements, often in testing or production environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in cloud, enterprise, and software development companies to plan scalable systemsFound in IT, software, and technology firms focusing on system optimization and testing

Performance Architects focus on designing overall system performance strategies and architecture, while Performance Engineers concentrate on testing, analyzing, and optimizing system performance through hands-on testing and troubleshooting.

What is the highest paid type of architect?

In the architecture profession, specialized roles such as design architects, project architects, or those working in high-demand sectors like healthcare or corporate buildings tend to have higher salaries. Additionally, architects with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or leadership positions such as firm partners or principal architects often earn the highest compensation.
More about Performance Architect jobs
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What cities in California are hiring for Performance Architect jobs? Cities in California with the most Performance Architect job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Performance Architect jobs in CA? For Performance Architect jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Performance Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Performance Architect job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,645 per year, or $79.6 per hour.
Systems Performance Architect

Systems Performance Architect

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$206K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 675 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Every single day, people do amazing things at Apple! Do you want to impact billions of users by developing an extraordinary product with a prime focus on accuracy, understandability, and performance of the product? Dynamic, Inspiring people and Innovative technologies are the norm here.
The System Performance Architecture team is responsible for all aspects of performance spanning hardware (CPU, GPU, DRAM, storage), software (OS, drivers, applications), and other system characteristics (thermals, power, acoustics). This spans performance modeling, guiding architecture tradeoffs, performance verification, performance debug, and workload characterization.
Our team is collaborative, creative and passionate about what we do and the value we add in future product designs.
Come join us!
Description
We have an outstanding opportunity for a Performance Architect to contribute to the characterization and optimization of future Apple Silicon platforms. This position is a multi-disciplinary engineering role encompassing computer system design, workload analysis, and performance modeling. The candidate will need the skills to dissect complex workloads (specifically AI and ML), identify architectural bottlenecks, and influence the definition of our next-generation SoCs to advance our products' performance, power, and thermal efficiency.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors Degree in EE or Computer Engineering and minimum 3 years of experience in Computer Architecture, performance analysis, or hardware modeling
Understanding of CPU/GPU/NPU microarchitecture concepts (pipelines, caches, coherence, etc.)
Experience in performance analysis and modeling
Expert in Python scripting /C++ coding Skills
Preferred Qualifications
Masters Degree in EE/Computer Engineering or equivalent of relevant working experience is preferred
Experience with workload characterization tools (e.g., hardware performance counters, instruction tracers, profilers)
Experience with GPU APIs, OpenGL, OpenCL, DirectX, Metal.
Expertise in one or more focused areas (CPU/GPU, System Architecture, Compiler/SW Stack). Areas could include core/shader micro-architecture, texture pipeline, caching, or memory subsystem design for the SoC. System Areas examples could include IO, Storage, or DRAM Subsystem.
Exposure to modeling in constrained environments (ie under thermal, power delivery, power management constraints)
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences across hardware and software teams

What Apple employees say

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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