Senior GenAI Research Engineer - Optimization and Kernels

Databricks; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Annual performance bonus

Equity options

Job summary

Databricks is looking for a Sr. Research Engineer to join their Scaling Team in Mountain View, California. The role involves driving performance improvements and designing high-performance GPU kernels for training workloads. Candidates should have strong experience in CUDA programming, distributed training frameworks, and a solid understanding of NVIDIA GPU architecture.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $166,000 to $225,000 USD, alongside comprehensive benefits. Join us to advance AI models and deliver cutting-edge solutions to make our customers successful.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience writing and tuning CUDA kernels for ML training.
• Experience in distributed training frameworks like PyTorch DDP or DeepSpeed.
• Strong understanding of memory optimization strategies for large-scale model training.

Responsibilities

• Drive performance improvements through advanced optimization techniques.
• Design and implement distributed training frameworks for large language models.
• Profile, debug, and optimize end-to-end training workflows.

Skills

CUDA programming

Distributed training frameworks

NVIDIA GPU architecture

Software engineering in Python

PyTorch proficiency

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

CUDA debugging/profiling tools (Nsight, NVProf)

Job description

Job Description

At Databricks, we are obsessed with enabling data teams to solve the world’s toughest problems, from security threat detection to cancer drug development. We do this by building and running the world’s best data and AI platform so our customers can focus on the high-value challenges that are central to their own missions.

The Databricks AI Research organization enables companies to develop AI models and agents using their own data, with technologies ranging from post-training open source LLMs to developing advanced multi-agent architectures. Databricks AI is committed to the belief that a company’s AI models and agents are just as valuable as any other core IP, and that high-quality AI should be available to all.

As a Sr. Research Engineer on the Scaling team, you will be responsible for keeping up with the latest developments in deep learning and advancing the scientific frontier by creating new techniques that go beyond the state of the art. You will work together on a collaborative team of researchers and engineers with diverse backgrounds and technical training. And most importantly, you will love our customers: our goal is to make our customers successful in applying state-of-the‑art LLMs and AI systems, and we encode our scientific expertise into our products to make that possible.

The Impact you will have

As a research engineer on the Scaling Team at Databricks, you will:

• Drive performance improvements through advanced optimization techniques including kernel fusion, mixed precision, memory layout optimization, tiling strategies, and tensorization for training‑specific patterns
• Design, implement, and optimize high‑performance GPU kernels for training workloads (e.g., attention mechanisms, custom layers, gradient computation, activation functions) targeting NVIDIA architectures
• Design and implement distributed training frameworks for large language models, including parallelism strategies (data, tensor, pipeline, ZeRO‑based) and optimized communication patterns for gradient synchronization and collective operations
• Profile, debug, and optimize end‑to‑end training workflows to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, applying memory optimization techniques like activation checkpointing, gradient sharding, and mixed precision training.

What We Look for

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or related field with hands‑on experience writing and tuning CUDA kernels for ML training applications, or hands‑on experience in distributed training frameworks (PyTorch DDP, DeepSpeed, Megatron‑LM, FSDP)
• Strong understanding of NVIDIA GPU architecture (memory hierarchy, tensor cores, warp scheduling, SM occupancy) and proficiency with CUDA debugging/profiling tools (Nsight, NVProf)
• Deep understanding of parallelism techniques and memory optimization strategies for large‑scale model training, with proven ability to debug and optimize distributed workloads
• Strong software engineering skills in Python and PyTorch, with experience supporting production training workflows and knowledge of LLM training dynamics including hyperparameter tuning and optimization strategies.

Pay Range Transparency

Databricks is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The pay range(s) for this role is listed below and represents the expected salary range for non‑commissionable roles or on‑target earnings for commissionable roles. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job‑related skills, depth of experience, relevant certifications and training, and specific work location. Based on the factors above, Databricks anticipates utilizing the full width of the range. The total compensation package for this position may also include eligibility for annual performance bonus, equity, and the benefits listed above. For more information regarding which range your location is in visit our page .

Local Pay Range: $166,000 — $225,000 USD

Benefits

At Databricks, we strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all of our employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region click .

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Databricks, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can excel. We take great care to ensure that our hiring practices are inclusive and meet equal employment opportunity standards. Individuals looking for employment at Databricks are considered without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio‑economic status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

Compliance

If access to export‑controlled technology or source code is required for performance of job duties, it is within Employer’s discretion whether to apply for a U.S. government license for such positions, and Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.