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NVIDIA

Research Scientist, Electronic Design Automation - New College Grad 2026

NVIDIA is hiring a Research Scientist, Electronic Design Automation - New College Grad 2026 in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $168k-$265k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

  • Level rates this research scientist role Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
  • Tools and skills the posting cites include PyTorch.
  • Level lists 2,700+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

PyTorch

NVIDIA Research is searching for a world-class new college grad PhD researcher to drive groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI, GPU computing, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA). Deep learning and GPU acceleration are transforming the future of chip design, and this role offers the opportunity to shape that future. Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA has some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world inventing the future for us. Are you a creative and collaborative researcher interested in seeking new challenges? If so, we want to hear from you!

What you'll be doing:

  • Define and conduct original research across EDA algorithms, VLSI design methodology, and advanced AI techniques.

  • Innovate in EDA software and algorithms, with applications spanning supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning, agentic AI systems, as well as GPU-accelerated optimization methods.

  • Apply deep learning and GPU computing to improve ASIC and VLSI design tool flows.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with circuit design, VLSI, and architecture teams, ensuring research translates into real-world product impact.

  • Publish and present your original research, speak at conferences and events

  • Collaborate with external researchers and a diverse set of internal product teams.

What we need to see:

  • PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

  • Strong Programming & Systems Skills: Proficiency in at least two of Python, PyTorch, C++, or CUDA

  • Publications in top EDA and AI/ML venues

  • Domain & Technical Expertise: Expertise in EDA (e.g., synthesis, physical design, design verification, timing) algorithms combined with publications and project experience applying machine learning/deep learning (supervised, unsupervised, RL, agentic AI) to impactful problems.

  • Excellent self-motivation, a high degree of creativity, and a passion for research, collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within a research team.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience communicating technical work (e.g., academic presentations, poster sessions); ability to synthesize and explain complex technical concepts.

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 168,000 USD – 264,500 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

Research Scientist, Electronic Design Automation - New College Grad 2026 at NVIDIA rates 95 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

PyTorch

Also common in research scientist jobs at this level

Pay

This job starts at
$168k
Typical research scientist job
$192k

This posting starts 12% below the typical research scientist job. See research scientist jobs

Questions you could be asked

  1. What's a project where you used PyTorch 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: PyTorch. 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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