Manager, Linux GPU System Software Engineering

NVIDIA is hiring a Manager, Linux GPU System Software Engineering in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $224k-$357k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

Level rates this role Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
Tools and skills the posting cites include Linux, C and linux kernel.
Level classifies it as a lead role.
Level lists 1,800+ other open roles at NVIDIA.
The role was posted within the past two weeks.

AI in this role

Lead a team of engineers designing and optimizing Linux GPU device drivers and system software.

linuxc

linux-kerneldevice-driverssystems-programmingsoftware-managementperformance-optimization

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. NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking people on the planet working for us.

Would you like to contribute to pioneering Linux device driver software used in our GPUs? If you're creative and autonomous, we would love to hear from you!

What you’ll be doing:

Lead a team which designs, develops, optimizes and validates features and/or bug fixes for our Linux GPU Device drivers collaborating with fellow software engineers.
Interact with internal and external partners to understand their use cases and requirements.
Collaborate with engineering teams, program and product management, and partners to define the product roadmap.
Continuously review and identify improvement opportunities in established processes, infrastructure, and practices to ensure the teams are executing in the most efficient and transparent manner.

What we need to see:

BS or MS degree or equivalent experience in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related degree.
Experience with Linux kernel / user mode device driver system software
8+ overall years industry experience and 3+ years of meaningful software engineering management experience leading large complex system software projects keeping functionality, security, performance and stability in mind.
Strong understanding of computer system architecture, operating systems principles (aka systems software fundamentals), HW-SW interactions and performance analysis/optimizations.
Excellent C/C++ programming and debugging skills in Linux.
Experience balancing multiple projects with competing priorities.
Flexibility to work and communicate effectively across different teams and time zones.
Background and strength with complex system-level software debugging across functionality, performance, security, scalability issues

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Linux core/display kernel and user mode device driver experience
Linux graphics experience with Vulkan/OpenGL etc. software stacks
Open source contributions to the Linux kernel and/or other large software projects
Proven experience working breadth-first in the design and development of large, cross-functional systems software
Deep technical knowledge of system software, kernels, embedded systems

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and other objective job-related factors. The expected base salary range for this position is 224,000 USD – 356,500 USD.

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

Manager, Linux GPU System Software Engineering at NVIDIA rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● 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

Manager, Linux GPU System Software Engineering is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $224k-$357k a year.
The role is based in US, CA, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on October 20, 2026.
Seniority: lead.
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

Linux KernelDevice DriversSystems ProgrammingSoftware ManagementPerformance OptimizationLinuxC

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where linux kernel was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where device drivers was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where systems programming was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where software management was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where performance optimization was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Linux Kernel, Device Drivers, Systems Programming, Software Management, and Performance 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.

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