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Performance Tuning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Java Performance Test Engg

Fremont, CA · On-site

$56.75 - $78/hr

... performance tuning and optimization, results aggregation, etc. • Strongly motivated on daily deliverables, with a result-oriented mindset. • Strong team working spirit with good communication ...

DBA

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$15K - $25K/yr

Performance tuning of database systems. Install, upgrade, and manage database applications. Diagnose and troubleshoot database errors. Database tuning and performance tuning Recommend and implement ...

Performance Architect, AI HW

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $500K/yr

Emerging deep learning trends and their impact on compute architecture design and performance tuning. * How to define and validate performance features that directly translate to measurable gains ...

This is a hands-on role for someone equally comfortable tuning a benchmark, debugging a production-like cluster, and improving the systems that make performance testing reliable at scale. Job ...

This is a hands‑on role for someone equally comfortable tuning a benchmark, debugging a production‑like cluster, and improving the systems that make performance testing reliable at scale. Job ...

You will be responsible for executing rigorous performance benchmarks, isolating complex system bottlenecks, and tuning parameters to achieve maximum throughput and minimum latency. If you possess a ...

You will be responsible for executing rigorous performance benchmarks, isolating complex system bottlenecks, and tuning parameters to achieve maximum throughput and minimum latency. If you possess a ...

Showing results 21-40

Performance Tuning information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$67.4K

$110.5K

How much do performance tuning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for performance tuning in California is $67,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,300.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is performance tuning?

A Performance Tuning job involves analyzing, optimizing, and improving the efficiency of systems, databases, or applications to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Professionals in this role identify bottlenecks, optimize queries, adjust configurations, and implement best practices to enhance system performance. They work with developers, database administrators, and IT teams to proactively prevent slowdowns and ensure scalability. This role is critical in maintaining high system availability, improving response times, and optimizing resource utilization.

What does someone working in performance tuning do?

A professional in Performance Tuning typically spends their day analyzing system logs, monitoring application and database performance, and identifying areas for optimization. They often collaborate with development, infrastructure, and operations teams to resolve performance bottlenecks and implement enhancements. Routine tasks include running diagnostic tests, applying configuration changes, documenting findings, and sometimes providing training or recommendations to colleagues. This role requires continuous learning to keep up with evolving technologies and best practices in system optimization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for performance tuning?

To excel in a Performance Tuning role, you need expertise in system optimization, troubleshooting, and in-depth knowledge of database and application performance metrics, often backed by a degree in computer science or information technology. Familiarity with tools like SQL Profiler, APM solutions (such as New Relic or AppDynamics), and experience with relevant certifications (e.g., Oracle Performance Tuning) are highly valued. Analytical thinking, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are essential for identifying bottlenecks, implementing solutions, and ensuring smooth, efficient system operations.

How do I become a performance tuner?

To become a performance tuner, gain experience in automotive or computer systems, often through technical training or certifications such as ASE or industry-specific programs. Developing skills in diagnostics, software tools, and engine or system optimization is essential, along with hands-on practice and understanding of performance metrics.

What are the most commonly searched types of Performance Tuning jobs in California?

The most popular types of Performance Tuning jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Performance Tuning jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Performance Tuning jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Performance Tuning jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Performance Tuning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,355 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

CPU Processor Performance Verification Engineer

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Apple Inc.
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$129K - $194K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 685 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

CPU Processor Performance Verification Engineer

Santa Clara, California, United States Hardware

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, hard-working 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 passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it! Join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product. In this highly visible role, you will be at the center of a chip design effort collaborating with all subject areas, with a critical impact on getting functional products to millions of customers quickly. You will be responsible for silicon performance verification, correlation, characterization and tuning for CPUs. The role involves pre-silicon performance verification as well as developing tests to characterize CPU performance, analyzing and profiling software/applications, correlating and comparing performance across silicon/system software version, and working with OS and compiler teams on performance debug and tuning.

Description

As a CPU Processor Performance Verification Engineer owning the verification of a certain area of performance features in a chip design, you will have responsibilities as follows:

  • Work closely with architects and RTL designers on verifying the performance features of the design and correlating with performance models (both pre-silicon and post-silicon)
  • Work closely with software and application developers on identifying performance bottlenecks and tuning the software
  • Develop test plans and test infrastructure/tools for performance tuning, correlation, and verification
  • Improve and maintain the architectural performance models
  • Develop tests in assembly, C/C++, or vectors to debug and correlate the RTL and performance model
  • Develop C or Verilog-based checkers for verifying the performance features
  • Develop coverage monitors and analyze coverage to ensure all performance features are covered
  • Debug performance issues and conduct performance tuning on silicon
  • Benchmark, correlate and compare CPU performance across silicon/OS/compiler versions
  • Present CPU performance results to multi-functional teams
  • Work closely with OS and compiler teams on system and application performance tuning
Minimum Qualifications
  • Academic experience with performance modeling, processor verification, or RTL design
  • Academic experience in digital logic design, CPU architecture, and microarchitecture
  • Experience in at least one of the following: assembly, C/C++, Verilog, or System Verilog
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in developing performance test plans and writing/debugging assembly tests for performance correlation and verification
  • Experience in benchmark and workload analysis and CPU performance profiling
  • Knowledge of compiler techniques and OS for performance optimization
  • Knowledge in developing instruction profiling tools on silicon
  • Experience in performance modeling for advanced CPU designs
  • Experience in silicon validation
  • Ability to work across teams to optimize silicon performance
  • Should be a great teammate with excellent communication and presentation skills and able to work independently on the owned unit

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $129,300 and $194,700, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

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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