Senior Algorithm Engineer -- Autonomous Vehicles

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior Algorithm Engineer -- Autonomous Vehicles 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

On Level's scale, this role is Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
Tools and skills the posting cites include C, Computer vision and Deep learning.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 1,800+ other open roles at NVIDIA.
The role was posted within the past week.

AI in this role

Develop core algorithms for 3D world models and autonomous vehicle navigation fusing perception DNNs and map data at NVIDIA.

ccomputer-visiondeep-learning

computer-visionautonomous-vehiclesroboticsalgorithm-design3d-geometry

Join our DRIVE Road Structure, Online Mapping, and Context Fusion team as we shape the future of autonomous driving! In this role, you’ll play a key part in developing a comprehensive 3D world model by integrating map and perception data, enabling our vehicles to navigate even the most complex roads and intersections in the U.S. and Europe. Collaborate closely with our perception and planning teams to deliver robust solutions central to our vision for autonomous vehicles. If you’re passionate about advancing human-level AI for navigation in real-world, unconstrained environments, we want you on our team!

What you'll be doing:

Develop Core Autonomous Driving Features: Create foundational systems for autonomous driving across diverse geographies by merging state-of-the-art perception DNNs and map data.
Build Real-Time 3D World Models: Integrate sensor and external inputs to generate dynamic 3D models for planning and navigation.
Enable HD Mapless Driving: Design enriched bird’s-eye-view (BEV) models to support autonomous driving in complex urban environments.
Enhance AV Scenarios: Construct fused static obstacle and occupancy grids, and generate occlusion masks to improve scenario understanding.
Lead Technology Initiatives: Guide the team in solving challenging AV problems and collaborate hands-on to drive innovation.
Mentor and Grow the Team: Recruit, hire, and mentor talented engineers.
Ensure Quality and Safety: Develop algorithms that perform reliably on large datasets across varied conditions, adhering to automotive quality and safety standards.

What we need to see:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
10+ years of experience, including at least 2 years in autonomous vehicles or robotics.
2+ years of technical leadership experience.
Deep passion for robotics and autonomous vehicles.
Eagerness to learn and solve impactful challenges.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially with global teams.
Strong independent and analytical software engineering abilities.
Experience with embedded or automotive software development.

Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd:

Expertise in 3D geometry, computer vision, sensor calibration, or state estimation (e.g., Kalman/particle filters).
Significant industry experience with self-driving cars.
Background in developing real-time computer vision systems.
Strong skills in API and framework design.

At NVIDIA, we believe self-driving vehicles will be a transformative achievement for our generation, with the potential to save millions of lives. We have the resources, scale, and ambition—now we need your expertise. Join a team of forward-thinking innovators at one of the world’s most desirable technology employers. If you’re entrepreneurial, driven, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from 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 4; and 224,000 USD – 356,500 USD for Level 5.

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

Senior Algorithm Engineer -- Autonomous Vehicles at NVIDIA rates 90 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

Senior Algorithm Engineer -- Autonomous Vehicles is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $184k-$288k a year.
The role is based in US, CA, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on October 26, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by NVIDIA. Apply on NVIDIA

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Computer visionAutonomous VehiclesRoboticsAlgorithm Design3d GeometryCDeep learning

Questions you could be asked

Walk me through a computer vision problem you solved, from raw data to a deployed model.
Tell me about a project where autonomous vehicles was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where robotics was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where algorithm design was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where 3d geometry was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Computer vision, Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics, Algorithm Design, and 3d Geometry. 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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