CUDA and GPU Engineer Jobs (2026)
CUDA Engineers are the performance backbone of modern AI, writing custom GPU kernels that make model training and inference faster and more efficient. As AI models grow larger, the ability to squeeze maximum performance from GPU hardware has become one of the most valuable and scarce skills in the industry.
Last updated: August 16, 2026
Latest CUDA Engineer Jobs
View all jobsSenior Linux Kernel & Driver Engineer – HPC/AI Fabrics
Machine Learning Engineer, GPU Kernel and Runtime
TPU Kernel Engineer
Staff Software Engineer, SIMD Kernels
Applied AI Engineer, Kernel Performance
Sr Engineer, AI Kernel
Software Engineer - Triton
Software Engineer, Staff - SIMD Kernels
Staff Software Engineer in Test, AI Kernels
Principal Software Engineer, Kernels
Manager, Engineering - App Engine (CUDA)
Sr Engineer, AI Kernel
Senior Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime
Staff Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime
Sr Software Engineer - Kernels and Workloads
Senior Software Engineer - Kernels
Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime
Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime
Staff Software Engineer, Test & Validation – AI Kernels
Kernel Engineer
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a CUDA engineer do?
CUDA engineers write custom GPU kernels for AI workloads, optimize model training and inference throughput, build high-performance compute libraries, and work on compiler optimizations. They bridge the gap between AI algorithms and GPU hardware. As models grow larger, CUDA engineers are critical for making training and inference cost-effective. Rust is emerging as a complementary language for high-performance inference alongside CUDA C/C++, broadening the skill set expected in these roles.
What is the salary for CUDA engineers?
CUDA engineers are among the highest-paid AI specialists, earning $180K to $350K+ at companies like NVIDIA, Meta, and AI startups. The scarcity of deep GPU programming skills drives premium compensation, with senior roles exceeding $400K+ in total comp. For context, AI Engineer total compensation averages $211K, but CUDA specialists command significant premiums above this. US-based CUDA roles carry 20-50% premiums in SF, NYC, and Seattle over national averages.
Is CUDA expertise in high demand?
Extremely high demand. AI job openings have surged 25.2% year-over-year, and GPU programming skills remain one of the scarcest specializations in the field. With AI engineer roles up 143%, the infrastructure layer that CUDA engineers operate on is critical. Workers with specialized AI skills earn 25% more than peers without them, and CUDA expertise commands an even larger premium given the limited talent pool worldwide.
AI Job Insights for CUDA Engineer Jobs
Salary Range (Yearly, USD)
$100K - $500K
Median $180K from 14 listings with salary data
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Common Roles
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