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NVIDIA

Manager, Software Architecture

NVIDIA is hiring a Manager, Software Architecture in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $184k-$288k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

  • Builds AI ●●●● is how Level rates this role: the job is building AI systems.
  • Tools and skills the posting cites include vLLM.
  • Level classifies it as a mid-level role.
  • Level lists 2,700+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

vLLM

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.

We are Seeking a Software Engineering Manager for our applied research team within NVIDIA’s Networking Systems & Software Architecture group. This role will be based in Santa Clara, CA. This team is solving some of AI’s hardest infrastructure problems. The team builds systems-level software that moves data between GPUs, nodes, and storage at the speed modern AI demands—spanning low-level transport optimization, hardware-software co-design, and communication frameworks that plug directly into production AI stacks. The team's charter expands into emerging domains including quantum computing interconnects. This Engineering Manager role leads a team responsible for that work—owning execution, and setting technical direction. It calls for someone technically strong enough to drive architecture and focused on creating an extraordinary engineering organization!

What you will be doing:

  • Lead and develop a team of systems and networking engineers building distributed AI communication systems—libraries, frameworks, and system integrations.

  • Build the technical roadmap in partnership with principal engineers and architects, balancing near-term delivery with long-term research bets.

  • Create a culture of technical excellence and open collaboration. Handling project planning, resource allocation, and delivery timelines across concurrent workstreams.

What we need to see:

  • 8+ overall years of software engineering experience with advanced knowledge in systems software, networking, or distributed systems. This experience allows credible participation in architecture reviews and making informed trade-off decisions.

  • 3+ years of direct people management experience.

  • BS, MS, PhD or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

  • Ability to scope a problem, set a plan, and deliver results in a fast-paced R&D environment.

  • Strong communication skills—comfortable speaking publicly, writing technical documents, and giving candid feedback.

  • Good understanding of computer architecture, memory hierarchies, DMA engines, and networking.

  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Rust and Python.

  • Understanding of ML systems concepts—transformer architectures, KV cache mechanics, model parallelism, or distributed training and inference patterns.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Knowledge of ML inference frameworks (vLLM, SGLang, TensorRT-LLM) and their communication requirements.

  • Familiarity with hardware and software ecosystems.

  • Experience with agile methodologies adapted for engineering teams dedicated to research.

This role is born out of the unprecedented growth in this segment of the industry, our engineering teams are experience rapid demand increases. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to speak with you.

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:
184,000 USD – 287,500 USD for Level 2; and 224,000 USD – 356,500 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

Manager, Software Architecture at NVIDIA rates 84 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.

  1. ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
  2. ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
  3. ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
  4. ●○○○ 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.

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

vLLM

Questions you could be asked

  1. What's a project where you used vLLM hands-on?
  2. How would you decide a model or AI system is ready to ship?
  3. 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: vLLM. 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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