CUDA / GPU Performance Engineer (Kernel Optimization)

Role Description

We are looking for experienced CUDA and GPU performance engineers to analyze, profile, and optimize high-performance kernels and supporting C++ code. The role combines CUDA optimization, GPU profiling, C++, shader development, and performance analysis across different GPU architectures. No prior AI experience is required; strong systems and GPU engineering expertise is the key requirement.

• CONTRACT: Freelance contractor, paid per completed task
• COMMITMENT: Flexible, based on available tasks and project demand
• LOCATIONS: Fully remote - GLOBAL
• PROCESS: Application review, technical assessment, and onboarding
• HOURLY RATE: $60-$100/h

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize CUDA kernels for throughput, latency, and hardware utilization.
• Profile GPU workloads to identify compute, memory, synchronization, and execution bottlenecks.
• Develop and implement targeted kernel optimization strategies.
• Refactor C++ and CUDA codebases for performance, maintainability, and portability.
• Evaluate kernel behavior across different GPU architectures and hardware generations.
• Develop or adapt shader and compute workflows using GLSL and WebGPU.
• Use GPU profiling tools to validate improvements and compare performance.
• Document optimization approaches, benchmarks, findings, and performance gains.
• Contribute technical input to GPU architecture and performance-design discussions.
• Evaluate emerging GPU programming techniques and apply relevant improvements.

Qualifications

• Strong professional experience with CUDA programming and GPU kernel optimization.
• Advanced proficiency in C++, ideally in high-performance or systems programming environments.
• Proven experience profiling and tuning GPU workloads for performance.
• Hands-on experience with GPU profiling tools such as NVIDIA Nsight or comparable tools.
• Strong understanding of GPU architecture, memory hierarchy, parallel execution, and synchronization.
• Experience analyzing performance across different GPU hardware generations.
• Hands-on experience with GLSL and/or WebGPU for shader or compute development.
• Ability to document performance findings and technical decisions clearly in English.