[Hiring] CUDA / GPU Kernel Optimization Experts | Remote Contract

I’m helping fast-track candidates for a Mercor project with a leading AI lab. They are looking for people with genuine, hands-on experience optimizing GPU kernels, not general software engineers who have only used CUDA occasionally.

This is a fully remote independent contractor role requiring at least 10 hours per week (the job posting lists 20 hours, just a heads up).

What you would be doing

You would analyze and improve GPU kernels using profiler-guided performance data, including metrics such as:

Occupancy
L2 cache hit rate
L2 throughput
Memory utilization
Hardware utilization
Kernel bottlenecks

The work involves reading, modifying, and reasoning about C++17, Python, and GPU kernel code.

You do not need deep prior knowledge of every algorithm. However, you must be able to inspect an unfamiliar kernel, identify performance bottlenecks, test improvements, and clearly explain your optimization decisions.

Who they are looking for

You should have:

Strong C++ knowledge through C++17
Practical experience with CUDA or another GPU programming model
At least one year of professional or graduate-level GPU experience
Experience using profiler metrics to guide optimization
Working knowledge of Python and Git
The ability to explain why an optimization works, not simply produce faster code

Experience with HIP, inline PTX, tensor cores, CUDA C++ Core Libraries, Nsight Compute, NVIDIA Blackwell, or GPU-related open-source projects is especially relevant.

Assessment and fast-track process

The initial technical assessment should take approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

Complete the assessment, then DM me your name after you submit it. I will fast-track your application only if you completed the assessment without using AI. Qualified submissions may be reviewed and processed quickly.

Important assessment rule

The assessment must be completed without AI assistance.

Do not use ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, or any other AI tool to generate, rewrite, solve, or optimize your answers.

The screening process is designed to identify AI-assisted submissions, and the detection is strict. Candidates may also be asked to explain their reasoning later in the process.

Please only apply if you can complete the assessment independently and confidently explain your answers. If you cannot solve the problems without AI assistance, this opportunity is probably not the right fit.

Contract details

Fully remote
Flexible schedule
Minimum availability of 20 hours per week
Independent contractor engagement
Weekly payments through Stripe or Wise
Project length may change depending on project needs and performance
H-1B and STEM OPT candidates cannot currently be supported

Application link

Apply here:

https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABnonIKKQ9b5g5FzJHvZMH/cuda-engineering-expert?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mercor_expert_google_pmax_nonbrand-highskill-tier1_THR&utm_content=_c&utm_term=&matchtype=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23931914574&gbraid=0AAAAA_5Wc8zryFr56vVgXkTXMJP2aTnL2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjvfSBhDpARIsAEiOpStutq2hhq4qtPPcWKPzIcrDLzUcOPX9ZJHKbOmE4UT8dqkCOXt5EmIaAnNDEALw_wcB

After submitting the assessment, DM me your name so I can fast-track your application if you followed the no-AI requirement.

Disclosure: This is not a personal referral link.

r/OpenCL