Senior Firmware Engineer - GPU

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior Firmware Engineer - 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 Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
Level classes it as a senior role.
NVIDIA has 2,700+ 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.

We're looking for an experienced System Software Engineer to help develop the boot, firmware, and software solutions focused on safeguarding that power NVIDIA's next-generation SoCs. This is an opportunity to work on challenging low-level system software, collaborate with world-class engineering teams, and help bring innovative silicon from concept to production. We're seeking someone who is passionate about system software, enjoys solving complex technical problems, and thrives in a collaborative environment.

What you'll be doing:

Design, develop, and validate SOC & GPU Boot and Security software across Automotive, Embedded, and Data Center platforms.
Participate actively in the new silicon lifecycle, spanning pre-silicon simulation/emulation to silicon power-on bring-up phases.
Identify, debug, and resolve issues within the Boot stack, ensuring detailed operation.
Collaborate closely with architecture, software, and hardware build teams to improve the next generation of NVIDIA System-on-Chips.

What we need to see:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of proven experience in relevant roles.
Proficiency in bare-metal firmware development, particularly with PCIE, ACPI and ARM/RISC-V technologies.
Familiarity with computer system architecture, microprocessors, and microcontroller fundamentals (caches, buses, DMA, etc).
Expertise in C programming languages, coupled with outstanding debugging skills.
Defensive security programming skills
We are seeking candidates with excellent communication abilities, both verbal and written.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Familiarity with Boot Process intricacies on sophisticated SoCs.
Understanding of GPU software kernel driver and firmware
Experience in Pre-Silicon/Post-Silicon bring up of complex SoCs
Used GenAI based workflows for System SW development and debugging
Experience working with 3rd party SOC vendors and their software

Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/

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:
152,000 USD – 241,500 USD for Level 3; and 184,000 USD – 287,500 USD for Level 4.

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 Firmware Engineer - GPU at NVIDIA rates 27 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.