Inference Optimization Engineer

About the role: At Modular, we optimize inference from kernel to cloud on one unified stack. We are building a differentiated cloud platform that delivers state of the art inference performance from day one, then keeps getting better. As we learn the shape and patterns of each customer's workload, the platform adapts and improves performance automatically over time. The Performance Labs team builds the infrastructure that makes this possible at scale. We continuously apply the latest optimizations across kernels, the inference engine, and distributed systems so that customer workloads stay on the Pareto frontier of cost and performance. We get there through deep workload insights, a scalable platform, and close collaboration with engineering and product teams. In this role you will dig into real customer inference workloads, profile them end to end, and apply the optimizations across kernels, engine, and distributed systems that push each workload toward the Pareto frontier. You will build the tooling and platform that turns one off performance wins into a repeatable, automated optimization loop, and you will work directly with engineering, product, and GTM to bring those gains to customers in production. LOCATION: Candidates based in the US or Canada are welcome to apply. You can work in our office in Los Altos, CA or remotely from home. Onboarding for new hires is conducted in-person in our Los Altos, CA office. What you will do: Build the optimization platform that drives inference performance of LLMs served on Modular Cloud to state of the art levels across the latest GPU and ASIC architectures. Shape the technical direction of Modular Cloud, delivering LLM performance on the Pareto frontier for agentic use cases and keeping it there as the landscape evolves. Partner closely with the GTM team to deliver highly customized LLM inference tuned to specific customer use cases, and collaborate across engineering to drive optimizations spanning the full stack, from GPU kernels to cloud infrastructure. Translate insights from customer engagements into technical direction for engineering teams. Publish blog posts on innovative approaches to LLM inference optimization that shape industry wide best practices. What you bring to the table: 5+ years of experience in distributed systems or performance engineering. A track record of building durable, reusable software tools and libraries that are adopted across teams and functions. Sound judgment in evaluating technical tradeoffs and setting priorities, paired with strong communication and technical leadership skills. Creativity and curiosity in solving complex problems, a collaborative and team oriented mindset, and alignment with our culture. Helpful, but not required: Experience with GPU kernel programming, inference engine internals, or distributed inference architectures. Experience with Kubernetes and cloud native ecosystems. Familiarity with modern LLM architectures and the latest inference optimization techniques. What Modular brings to the table: Amazing Team. We are a progressive and agile team with some of the industry’s best engineering and product leaders. World-class Benefits. In order to attract the best, we need to offer the best. Premier insurance plans, up to 5% 401k matching, flexible paid time off, and more are available to you! Please note that specific benefit packages may vary based on your location. Competitive Compensation. We offer very strong compensation packages, including stock options. We want people to be focused on their best work and believe in tailoring compensation plans to meet the needs of our workforce. Team Building Events. We organize regular team onsites and local meetups in Los Altos, CA as well as different cities. Traveling 2-4 times a year is expected for all roles. Working at Modular will enable you to grow quickly as you work alongside incredibly motivated and talented people who have high standards, possess a growth mindset, and a purpose to truly change the world. The estimated base salary range for this role to be performed in the US, regardless of the state, is $198,000.00 - $286,000.00 USD. The estimated base salary range for this role to be performed in Canada, regardless of the province, is $194,000.00 - $280,000.00 CAD. The salary for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of permissible, non-discriminatory job-related factors, which include but are not limited to education, training, work experience, business needs, or market demands. This range may be modified in the future. The total compensation for a candidate will also include annual target bonus, equity, and benefits, with equity making up a significant portion of your total compensation. For candidates who fall outside of the listed requirements, we nevertheless encourage you to apply as we may have openings that are lower/higher level than the ones advertised. Apply To This Job