Principal System Software Engineer - Data Center MODS

NVIDIA is hiring a Principal System Software Engineer - Data Center MODS 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

Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this software engineer role: aI is not part of the work.
Pay on this posting starts 62% higher than the typical software engineer posting on Level.
Level classes it as a lead role.
NVIDIA has 1,800+ 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!

The Data Center MODS organization seeks a Principal Engineer to architect and scale next-generation L10 and L11 diagnostic systems for Cloud Service Providers (CSPs). In this high-impact role, you will define the technical roadmap and lead multi-functional development to deploy robust diagnostic frameworks for AI accelerator products. Proficiency in distributed systems and hardware / software interfaces is essential for success.

What you'll be doing:

Define technical strategy and development of NVIDIA’s Data Center diagnostic systems, orchestrating large-scale stress testing for CPUs, GPUs, networking, memory, and high-speed interconnects.
Mentor and grow engineering teams, providing technical leadership and encouraging a culture of innovation and excellence.
Drive the root-cause analysis of systemic failures that intersect multiple hardware and software domains.
Partner with CSPs to diagnose and address scalability challenges within their unique data center infrastructures.

What we need to see:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
15+ years of system software experience working on highly resilient distributed systems with programming experience in C++ or Python.
Deep systems knowledge of x86/ARM architectures, Linux OS internals, firmware (UEFI/BIOS), Redfish, HMC, BMC protocols and platform security.
Consistent track record demonstrating technical leadership leading project teams and setting technical direction.
Expertise in software testing methodologies with an automation-led, AI-first approach to ensuring software quality

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 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 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

Principal System Software Engineer - Data Center MODS at NVIDIA rates 32 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.