Senior Research Scientist, EDA and AI

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior Research Scientist, EDA and AI in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $192k-$305k 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.
The listed pay starts close to the typical research scientist posting on Level.
Tools and skills the posting cites include Python, GPU and machine learning.
Level lists 2,600+ other open roles at NVIDIA.
The role was posted within the past week.

AI in this role

Drive groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI, GPU computing, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA).

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machine-learningdeep-learningreinforcement-learningedavlsialgorithm-designhigh-performance-computing

We are now looking for a Senior Research Scientist!

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to drive groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI, GPU computing, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA). AI and GPU acceleration are transforming the future of chip design, and this role offers the opportunity to shape that future.

What you'll be doing:

Define and conduct original research across EDA algorithms, VLSI design methodology, and advanced machine learning techniques.
Innovate in EDA software and algorithms, with applications spanning supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, as well as GPU-accelerated optimization methods.
Collaborate cross-functionally with circuit design, VLSI, and architecture teams, ensuring research translates into real-world product impact.
Engage with the global research community by publishing in premier conferences, presenting at leading venues, and driving thought leadership.
Foster collaboration with external researchers and diverse internal product teams to amplify research outcomes.

What we need to see:

Research Excellence: PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience), with 2+ years of post-PhD research experience and a strong record of impactful publications in top EDA and AI/ML venues; proven ability to set research direction and translate ideas into tools or products.
Domain & Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge in EDA/VLSI (e.g., synthesis, formal verification, timing, reliability, or physical design algorithms) combined with 5+ years applying AI techniques (supervised, unsupervised, RL) and GPU/accelerator-based computing to large-scale problems.
Programming & Systems Skills: 5+ years of experience in software development; strong expertise in high-performance computing, parallelism, optimization, and large-scale software engineering.
Leadership & Collaboration: experience in leading research projects or teams, with a track record of mentoring junior scientists, driving cross-functional initiatives with circuits/VLSI/architecture groups, and fostering collaborations with academia or industry.
Communication & Impact: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience presenting at top conferences; track record of releasing high-impact open-source tools, datasets, or frameworks; ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences.

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!

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:
192,000 USD – 304,750 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 Research Scientist, EDA and AI 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 Research Scientist, EDA and AI is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $192k-$305k a year.
The role is based in US, CA, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on October 29, 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

Machine learningDeep learningReinforcement learningEdaVlsiAlgorithm DesignHigh Performance ComputingPython

Also common in research scientist jobs at this level

Python PyTorch LLM Deep learning C++Generative AI

Pay

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

This posting starts close to the typical research scientist job. See research scientist jobs

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where machine learning was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where deep learning was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where reinforcement learning was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where eda was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where vlsi was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Machine learning, Deep learning, Reinforcement learning, Eda, and Vlsi. 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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