Applied AI Engineer - VLSI Design

NVIDIA is hiring an Applied AI Engineer - VLSI Design in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $136k-$219k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

Builds AI ●●●● is how Level rates this AI engineer role: the job is building AI systems.
Tools and skills the posting cites include RAG, AI agents and fine tuning.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 2,700+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

ragai-agentsfine-tuning

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

Join NVIDIA's custom RAM design team, where we are pushing the boundaries of memory technology to power the next generation of AI and accelerated computing. Our team operates at the intersection of innovative circuit design and scalable CAD infrastructure, tackling some of the most complex memory design challenges in the industry. We are looking for dedicated Software Engineers to work on developing and deploying AI agents that leverage machine learning models to solve complex problems in VLSI design. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field, with experience in machine learning, deep learning, and software development. The successful candidate will work closely with our team of experts in VLSI design, machine learning, and software engineering to create and integrate machine learning-based solutions that enhance the efficiency, productivity, and quality of our VLSI design flows.

What you'll be doing:

Play a key role in design, development, and deployment of AI applications using LLMs, internal and external Agentic frameworks, and other related technologies.
Drive impact by designing and building the needed infrastructure to deploy LLM-powered solutions for engineering assistants and multi-turn, multi-modal dialogue systems.
Develop agentic AI solutions that help solve complex VLSI engineering problems, fine tune & integrate them with CAD flow systems.
Make a difference by using AI technologies to help solve complex problems in chip design more efficiently.
Build and maintain design databases and dashboards that may use agentic and deterministic retrieval mechanisms to fetch pertinent engineering data expediting circuit design closure.
Collaborate with circuit design, layout, technology, and 3rd party EDA vendor teams distributed across geographies and time zones.

What we need to see:

Master's or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience.
5+ years of proven industry experience in a related field.
Proficiency in rapid prototyping using Python with strong foundational knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.
Experience with fine-tuning large language models, building advanced multi-agent systems, RAG pipelines and vector databases.
Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to thrive in dynamic, product-focused, and distributed teams.
A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to acquire new skills and knowledge as needed to achieve results.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) and their applications in software and AI development
Proficiency in standard methodologies for software development, including version control, testing, and CI/CD.
Deeply interested in learning disparate concepts and putting them together in innovative new ways.
Prior experience with circuit design, HW design is a plus.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/

#LI-Hybrid

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and other objective job-related factors. The expected base salary ranges for this position are:
136,000 USD – 218,500 USD for Level 3; and 168,000 USD – 264,500 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until November 3, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive 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.

How we rate this

Applied AI Engineer - VLSI Design at NVIDIA rates 92 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Applied AI Engineer - VLSI Design is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $136k-$219k a year.
The role is based in US, CA, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on August 17, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by NVIDIA. Apply on NVIDIA

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

RAGAI agentsFine-tuning

Also common in AI engineer jobs at this level

AWS Generative AI Azure Google Cloud PyTorch MLOps

Pay

This job starts at: $136k
Typical AI engineer job: $183k

This posting starts 26% below the typical AI engineer job. See AI engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

How would you design a retrieval step so the model answers from real data instead of guessing?
How do you decide when an AI agent can act on its own versus asking for approval first?
Walk me through fine-tuning a model: what data did you use, and how did you check the result?
How would you decide a model or AI system is ready to ship?
Tell me about a time a model underperformed in production. How did you find out, and what did you change?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: RAG, AI agents, and Fine-tuning. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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