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Principal Software Architect – GPU Driver

US, CA, Santa Clara
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

NVIDIA is looking for a system software architect to join the GPU Software team. You will play a key role in the design and evolution of the core kernel driver for GPUs, spanning supercomputers down to consumer graphics. You will help the team address new business opportunities such as GPUs in the data center – solving unique challenges requiring novel software and hardware designs. While also helping us build on our industry leading solutions in traditional markets such as gaming. 

What you'll be doing: 

  • Lead efforts to transform a driver with the scale of some operating systems into a design with reduced complexity, improved organization, and security posture 

  • Responsibility for developing a layered architecture with components spanning across a Guest VM, Host Kernel Driver and Firmware 

  • Define strategic vision for the core GPU driver together with adjacent software and hardware architects 

 

What we need to see: 

  • Expert level knowledge and experience in system software design and operating system fundamentals 

  • Deep understanding of computer architecture, microprocessor concepts (caches, buses, memory controllers, DMA, etc.)   

  • Proven leadership skills and strong ownership on past projects in an environment with complex software and hardware designs 

  • Clear verbal and written communication with the proven ability to build consensus within a large organization 

  • Exceptional C programming and low-level driver experience; background and strength with complex system-level debugging, performance analysis and test design 

  • Familiarity with kernel level security concepts; this includes familiarity with threat modeling techniques in addition to tooling for both static and dynamic analysis 

  • Kernel development experience with Linux, Android, Chrome, or Windows systems 

  • BS or MS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related degree (or equivalent experience).

  • 15+ years of relevant software development experience 

 Ways to stand out from the crowd: 

  • Experience as a maintainer or significant contributor to large open source software projects 

  • In depth knowledge of state of the art on system level security. Demonstrated involvement with the community at large   

  • Experience applying formal modeling for security analysis involving complex systems   

  • Knowledge of virtualization platforms (XenServer, KVM, Hyper-V) 

  • Experience with embedded system SW concepts, e.g.: RTOS and overlay programming models  

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people on the planet working for us. If you're creative, passionate and self-motivated, we want to hear from you! NVIDIA is leading the way in groundbreaking developments in Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and Visualization. The GPU, our invention, serves as the visual cortex of modern computers and is at the heart of our products and services.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 248,000 USD - 391,000 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until December 7, 2025.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Nvidia

Nvidia

NVIDIA is one of the most influential technology companies in the world, powering the modern era of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, graphics, and autonomous systems. Originally known for its leadership in gaming GPUs, NVIDIA has evolved into the backbone of AI infrastructure, designing the chips, software, and systems that train and deploy large-scale AI models used across industries from healthcare and robotics to autonomous vehicles and scientific computing.

For job seekers, NVIDIA offers opportunities at the forefront of deep tech, spanning software engineering, AI research, systems engineering, hardware design, networking, robotics, and developer tools. A major focus of its work is the CUDA software platform and AI ecosystem, which enables developers to program GPUs at massive scale and has become foundational to modern machine learning and data center computing. This makes NVIDIA especially attractive to engineers, researchers, and technologists who want to work directly on the infrastructure powering today’s AI revolution.

Unlike traditional hardware companies, NVIDIA operates as a full-stack computing platform company, integrating silicon, systems, and software into a unified ecosystem. Employees may work on everything from GPU architecture and data center systems to AI frameworks, simulation platforms like Omniverse, and autonomous vehicle technology through the DRIVE platform. This breadth allows teams to operate at the intersection of research and production-scale deployment, with direct impact on global computing infrastructure.

As demand for AI, accelerated computing, and autonomous systems continues to grow rapidly, NVIDIA remains one of the most important employers in technology and advanced engineering. For professionals seeking a high-impact career at the center of AI development—where breakthroughs quickly translate into real-world systems at global scale—NVIDIA stands out as one of the most dynamic and sought-after destinations in the industry.

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