Senior DFT Engineer

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior DFT Engineer 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

Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this role: aI is not part of the work.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 2,700+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 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. NVIDIA is a “learning machine” that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities that are hard to solve, that only we can tackle, and that matter to the world. This is our life’s work, to amplify human creativity and intelligence. Make the choice to join us today.

NVIDIA’s DFX team is looking for an exceptional DFT Engineer to help shape the future of compute. As stewards of the entire Scan Test Lifecycle, we drive innovation for the most advanced silicon in the world—spanning 2.5D/3D AI data center platforms, Gaming and Enterprise GPUs, and complex SOCs powering Autonomous Machines, Robotics, and Industrial systems. You will innovate at scale, designing and prototyping breakthrough Test Architectures for reticle sized, multi-chiplet products—from RTL to verification to post-silicon ATE bring-up. Join a globally recognized team that consistently delivers breakthrough performance across multiple high-impact tape-outs each year.

What you'll be doing:

Develop and deploy Industry-leading test methodologies on NVIDIA’s next-generation silicon platforms.
Collaborate with leading EDA vendors to shape tool capabilities that meet NVIDIA’s ambitious design goals, and partner with internal CAD teams to drive scalable, automated solutions.
Co-architect novel DFT strategies alongside VLSI and Product Engineering teams to push the boundaries of silicon test innovation.
Own the full ATPG lifecycle—verification, coverage analysis, pattern generation, and ATE bring-up—across NVIDIA’s full product portfolio.
Guide and mentor junior engineers, helping them navigate complex design trade-offs to achieve world-class quality and efficiency.

What we need to see:

MS/PhD or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering or a related field
6+ years of hands-on experience in Design-For-Test (DFT)
Deep knowledge of DFT tools, methodologies, and test strategies for complex, large-scale designs
Strong experience with industry standard ATPG tools
Clear, effective communicator—strong written and verbal skills
Passion for mentoring and scaling technical excellence in a team

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Experience with 2.5D/3D ICs, multi-chiplet architectures, or reticle-sized designs
Background in developing or enhancing EDA tool flows
Experience with Silicon testing and Automatic Test Equipment (ATE)
Expertise in using programming languages and AI for automation
Personal success stories in leading org wide changes

NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. At NVIDIA, we work on the hardest problems, and some of the most brilliant and motivated people in their fields choose to work here. Our world-class engineering teams are growing, as we lead the AI revolution from the front. If you are ready to make an impact in this journey, we want to hear from you!

#LI-Hybrid

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:
168,000 USD – 264,500 USD for Level 4; and 196,000 USD – 310,500 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 DFT Engineer at NVIDIA rates 19 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.