Senior Compiler Engineer - Backend GPU

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior Compiler Engineer - Backend GPU in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $152k-$242k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this role is Uses AI ●●○○: an ordinary role that requires AI tools.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 2,700+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

NVIDIA's invention of the GPU 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing — with the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Today, we are increasingly known as “the AI computing company”.

We are searching for a Senior Backend Compiler Engineer with experience in LLVM code generation for an exciting and fun role in our GPU Software organization. Our Compiler team is responsible for constructing and emitting the highest performance GPU machine instructions for Graphics (OpenGL, Vulkan, DX) and Compute (CUDA, PTX, OpenCL, Fortran, C++). This team is comprised of worldwide leading compiler engineering experts who provide leading edge performance and capabilities for NVIDIA's current and future complex parallel SIMT architectures.

What you will be doing:

Guide the design and implementation of a new LLVM based backend JIT compiler targeting NVIDIA GPUs
Design and develop new compiler passes and optimizations required to meet the high performance and low compilation time requirements of the compiler
Work with global compiler, hardware and application teams to oversee improvements and problem resolutions
Apply and adapt the latest compiler technologies to produce premier, robust, supportable compiler and tools
Get a chance to influence and work on new GPU architectures

What we need to see:

B.S. or higher degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience
4+ years of compiler development experience including 3+ years of experience in LLVM with a focus in code generation
Expertise in LLVM code generation including instruction scheduling, software pipelining, register allocation, GlobalISel, TableGen, LLVM IR, and Machine IR (MIR)
Proficient in compiler design and in performance analysis tools
Excellent hands-on C++ programming skills applied to industry standard C++ compilers and development frameworks
Strong background in software engineering principles with a focus on crafting robust and maintainable solutions to challenging problems
Good communication and documentation skills and self-motivated

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Masters or PhD preferred, with 5+ years of relevant experience
Experience developing compiler optimizations and code generation for GPUs
Experience in developing CUDA, DirectX, OpenGL/Vulkan applications
You should have strong interpersonal skills and be capable of leading and influencing others in the department

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want 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 range for this position is 152,000 USD – 241,500 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

Senior Compiler Engineer - Backend GPU at NVIDIA rates 44 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Uses AI (AI Level 2 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Uses AI. An ordinary role that requires AI tools.

●●●● 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.