Principal Architect, Accelerated Computing

NVIDIA is hiring a Principal Architect, Accelerated Computing in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $272k-$431k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this role is Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
Level classifies it as a lead role.
Level lists 2,700+ other open roles at NVIDIA.
The role was posted in the last few days.

AI in this role

We are now looking for a Principal Accelerated Computing Architect!

NVIDIA is developing software and system architectures for accelerated high performance computing, scientific computing, machine learning, AI, datacenter, and automotive computing. This position offers you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a fast-moving, technology focused company.

What you'll be doing:

Performing in-depth analysis and optimization to ensure the best possible performance on current and/or next-generation NVIDIA GPUs.
Creating and optimizing core parallel algorithms, data structures, and reference codes to provide the best possible solutions for NVIDIA GPUs.
Understanding and analyzing the interplay of hardware and software architectures on core algorithms, programming models, and applications.
Actively leading and collaborating with the hardware design, software engineering, product, and research teams to guide the direction of accelerated computing.
Diving into accelerated computing applications to facilitate software-hardware co-design.
Writing up and presenting your work by writing white papers, conference publications, official blog posts, patent applications, etc. as appropriate.

What we need to see:

An MS or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
12+ years of relevant work experience
Strong mathematical fundamentals, including linear algebra and numerical methods.
A passion for performance optimization.
Hands-on experience with the massively parallel GPU programming model, e.g. CUDA or OpenCL. Familiarity with APIs for multi-node communication, like MPI or OpenSHMEM/NVSHMEM, is a plus.
Strong knowledge of C and C++ with solid understanding of software design, programming techniques, and algorithms. Familiarity with threading APIs for multicore CPUs and Unix-style Inter-process Communication (IPC) APIs is a plus.
Familiarity with Python is a plus.
Good communication and organization skills, with a logical approach to problem solving, good time management, and task prioritization skills.
Experience benchmarking, profiling characterizing workloads on GPU and CPU clusters.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most hard-working and dedicated people in the world working for us. Are you creative and autonomous? Do you love the challenge of pushing an architecture to its limits? If so, we want to hear from you.

#ArchitectYourFuture

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until October 24, 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

Principal Architect, Accelerated Computing at NVIDIA rates 86 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

Principal Architect, Accelerated Computing is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $272k-$431k 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

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