CUDA Kernel Optimization Specialist [Remote]

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark , General Catalyst , Peter Thiel , Adam D'Angelo , Larry Summers , and Jack Dorsey .

Position: CUDA Engineering Expert

Type: Contract

Compensation: $80–$120/hour

Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize GPU kernels for performance, efficiency, and hardware utilization.
• Use profiler metrics like L2 cache hit rate , L2 throughput , and occupancy to guide kernel improvements.
• Review GPU kernel implementations to identify bottlenecks without needing extensive algorithmic background.
• Write, modify, and reason about C++17 , Python , and GPU programming code.
• Apply CUDA , HIP , and shader programming expertise to improve performance outcomes.
• Document optimization decisions clearly, noting when specific profiler metrics are useful.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Available to work at least 20 hrs/wk .
• Fluent in core C++ features through C++17 .
• Working knowledge of Python and Git .
• Fluent in at least one GPU programming model like CUDA , HIP , Slang , HLSL , or GLSL .
• At least 1 year of professional or graduate-level research experience with GPUs .
• Strong understanding of GPU profiler performance metrics for kernel optimization.
• Ability to optimize GPU kernels without deep prior context on every algorithm.

Preferred

• Experience with CUDA , HIP , CUDA C++ Core Libraries , inline PTX assembly, or tensor core-level optimization.
• Experience optimizing kernels for NVIDIA Blackwell hardware .
• Familiarity with NSight Compute .
• Prior experience with GPU hardware organizations like NVIDIA , AMD , or Qualcomm .
• Open-source contributions related to GPU kernel optimization .

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

• Submit your resume or relevant technical background to get started.
• Qualified applicants may be asked to complete a brief technical assessment or submit additional information.

Resources & Support

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