Performance Modeling Engineer ~2
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled performance modeling engineers has surged, with a 25% increase in job openings over the past year. As companies like Openai continue to push the boundaries of AI, professionals with expertise in system architecture, performance analysis, and modeling are in high demand. With the rise of remote work, candidates can now access these roles from anywhere. Before applying, it's essential to understand the current market landscape and the specific skills required for this role, such as strong programming skills and experience with system architecture fundamentals.
Job Description
About the Role
As a Performance Modeling Engineer at Openai, you will play a critical role in driving the development and application of modeling tools used to evaluate AI system performance. You will work closely with senior engineers to analyze system behavior, run simulations, and inform architectural decisions. This role is an excellent opportunity for early-career engineers to grow in large-scale infrastructure and hardware/software systems.The Performance Modeling team at Openai is responsible for building and applying performance modeling frameworks to understand system behavior, quantify tradeoffs, and support next-generation infrastructure design. As a key member of this team, you will contribute to the development of modeling frameworks, develop a strong foundation in system architecture and AI infrastructure, and collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, infrastructure, and architecture teams.
Openai's Hardware organization is dedicated to developing system and infrastructure solutions designed for the unique demands of advanced AI workloads. The company works closely with architecture, infrastructure, and vendor teams to evaluate system performance and guide critical design decisions. As a Performance Modeling Engineer, you will be at the forefront of this effort, driving innovation and excellence in AI system performance.
What You Will Do
- Support the development and maintenance of performance modeling tools and frameworks
- Assist in building models to evaluate system behavior across compute, memory, networking, and interconnect subsystems
- Help analyze distributed system scaling behavior and identify performance bottlenecks
- Run simulations and analytical models to support architecture and infrastructure decisions
- Partner with senior engineers to evaluate design tradeoffs across hardware and system components
- Interpret modeling outputs and help translate findings into clear recommendations
- Validate models using benchmarking data and real system performance measurements
- Improve modeling workflows, documentation, and usability for broader team adoption
- Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, infrastructure, and architecture teams
- Continuously build technical depth across AI infrastructure, system architecture, and performance analysis
What We Are Looking For
- 1-2 years of experience in software engineering, systems modeling, performance analysis, or related technical work
- Strong programming skills and experience building technical tools, scripts, or frameworks
- Familiarity with system architecture fundamentals such as compute, memory, and networking
- Ability to reason about system performance, bottlenecks, and scaling behavior
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with comfort working in quantitative environments
- Ability to learn quickly and work effectively across technical teams
- Experience with simulation tools, benchmarking, profiling, or performance analysis
- Familiarity with data center systems, server architecture, or hardware platforms
- Interest in system architecture and hardware/software co-design
Nice to Have
- Exposure to AI/ML workloads, distributed systems, or large-scale infrastructure
- Experience with performance engineering, infrastructure, or systems design
- Internship or early professional experience in a related field
- Familiarity with cloud-based infrastructure and deployment
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off and holiday policy
- 401(k) matching program
- Stock options and equity participation
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong foundation in system architecture and programming skills to stand out in this role.
- Familiarize yourself with performance modeling frameworks and simulation tools to increase your chances of success.
- Showcase your ability to work effectively in quantitative environments and reason about system performance.
- Highlight any experience with AI/ML workloads, distributed systems, or large-scale infrastructure to demonstrate your relevance.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with data center systems, server architecture, or hardware platforms during the interview process.
- Emphasize your ability to learn quickly and work effectively across technical teams to demonstrate your adaptability.
- Prepare to negotiate your salary based on industry standards and your level of experience.
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