Applied Machine Learning Engineer, AI for VLSI Design - New College Grad 2026

NVIDIA is hiring an Applied Machine Learning Engineer, AI for VLSI Design - New College Grad 2026 in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $116k-$184k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this machine learning engineer role is Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
The posting mentions Python, C and AI agents among its tools and skills.
NVIDIA has 2,600+ other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

Build AI-driven software systems and agentic workflows for circuit design and electronic design automation.

PythonC

ai-agentsmachine-learningagentic-ailarge-language-modelscombinatorial-optimizationalgorithm-design

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.

Our team builds AI-driven software systems for Circuit Design: combining automation algorithms, DL models and agentic workflows to accelerate end-to-end design automation. Come join this integral team in our Circuit Solutions Group!

What you'll be doing:

Work within a multi-functional team on various projects involving Pre-silicon and Post Silicon custom circuit design and related data, Circuit/Layout Optimization and Spice correlation.
Research and implement techniques on frontier solutions of electronic design automation.
Build and innovate agentic AI solution for VLSI design problem.
Responsible for analyzing the problem or datasets, raise and validate hypotheses, design and build models and algorithm until they reach the desired QOR.

What we need to see:

MS or PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering degree (or equivalent experience).
Experience in the following fields is a strict requirement for this role: Combinatorial Optimization, Agentic AI and large language models, Machine Learning for Chip Design & EDA
Background in Algorithms/Data Structures.
Experience in Applied Math/Machine Learning/Software programming with shown ability in writing code in Python, C++.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Prior background in large-scale EDA software development is a plus.
Prior experience in CMOS layout drawing, including schematic-to-layout translation and DRC/LVS compliance, is a definite plus.
Enjoy working with multiple levels and teams across organizations (engineering/research, product, sales and marketing teams).
Effective verbal/written communication, and technical presentation skills.

NVIDIA is a pioneer in bringing groundbreaking technology to new markets. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working with us. If you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you!

#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:
116,000 USD – 184,000 USD for Level 2; and 152,000 USD – 230,000 USD for Level 3.

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 Machine Learning Engineer, AI for VLSI Design - New College Grad 2026 at NVIDIA rates 90 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 Machine Learning Engineer, AI for VLSI Design - New College Grad 2026 is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $116k-$184k a year.
The role is based in US, CA, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on September 29, 2026.
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

AI agentsMachine learningAgentic AILarge Language ModelsCombinatorial OptimizationAlgorithm DesignPythonC

Also common in machine learning engineer jobs at this level

PyTorch TensorFlow Deep learning AWS Generative AI Kubernetes

Pay

This job starts at: $116k
Typical machine learning engineer job: $197k

This posting starts 41% below the typical machine learning engineer job. See machine learning engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

How do you decide when an AI agent can act on its own versus asking for approval first?
Tell me about a project where machine learning was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where agentic ai was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where large language models was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where combinatorial optimization was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: AI agents, Machine learning, Agentic AI, Large Language Models, and Combinatorial Optimization. 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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