Performance Engineer

NVIDIA is hiring a Performance Engineer in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $136k-$213k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
Level classes it as a senior role.
NVIDIA has 2,700+ other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

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 looking for a Performance Engineer to join the NVIDIA Developer and Performance Technology group to assist with Game Ready Technology production and characterization.

You will work with a wide variety of teams who are involved in the Game Ready process to help characterize and test the latest GeForce gaming technologies with the latest production and future hardware. The role requires scalable project management expertise, strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail and a dedication to quality.

What you’ll be doing:

Characterize the performance and interoperability of the latest gaming technologies against production and future hardware.
Collaborate with internal driver, SDK, developer technology, and partner studio teams to ensure the highest possible compatibility, stability, and performance.
Monitor and provide feedback on test suites, benchmarks, and automated validation tools to assess performance, image quality, and stability.
Analyze performance regressions, graphical anomalies, or gameplay stability issues, and drive resolution with engineering teams.
Continuously improve test processes, tools, and methodologies to support faster, more reliable driver validation cycles.
Provide active, constant and high-profile transparency into status, dependencies and targets of each new technology across various teams within GeForce business unit.

What we need to see:

A degree from a leading university in a field relevant to computer science (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of experience in production or project/program management of performance-critical productivity, creative or gaming software!
Experience with benchmark methodology and reviewing PC hardware/games.
Experience in balancing multiple projects with large and geographically distributed teams.
Solid understanding of Agile principles and methods.
Experience with executive reporting and effective internal communication.
Background with handling technical customer relationships and effective customer communication.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Development toolchains and processes.
Experience with Game QA processes and workflows.
Experience with performance benchmarking and gameplay testing.
AI software development.
Variety and vision in your project management methodology and toolset.

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/

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 – 212,750 USD for Level 3; and 168,000 USD – 270,250 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

Performance Engineer at NVIDIA rates 31 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.