Senior Research Scientist, System Software and I/O Architecture

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior Research Scientist, System Software and I/O Architecture 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

On Level's scale, this research scientist role is Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
The listed pay starts close to the typical research scientist posting on Level.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 2,600+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

We are now looking for a Research Scientist with a focus in System Software and I/O!

NVIDIA is seeking Research Scientists with a focus in System Software and System I/O Architecture to contribute to the development of future fast, scalable storage accesses by GPU threads. Scalable systems in a post-Moore world require co-optimization of architecture, runtime systems, operating systems, and compilers, to achieve high throughput while improving energy efficiency. We are seeking candidates with a proven track record of research excellence, systems-building experience, a broad perspective across the field of system software, depth in I/O system software, I/O systems architectures, deep knowledge in GPU architecture, proficiency in CUDA programming, programming large-scale clusters, and experience in profiling and system performance analysis tools. NVIDIA has pioneered programmable GPUs and the CUDA language, and is a world leader in high-performance and AI computing technology, with ambitious plans for future processors. This position offers you the opportunity to have a real impact in a multifaceted, technology-focused company.

What you'll be doing:

Develop novel architectures and system software implementations to enable scalable multi-GPU platforms.
Understand and analyze the interplay between operating systems, CPU and GPU architectures, and efficient algorithm designs.
Collaborate with a diverse set of teams across the company, spanning software research, hardware engineering, and product groups.
Publish original research and speak at conferences and events.

What we need to see:

A Ph.D. in CE/CS/EE or equivalent experience with a strong background
5+ years of research work experience in computer architecture, operating systems, system administration, compilers, and/or HPC. A strong publication, patent, presentation, and research collaboration history is a huge advantage.
Demonstrated expertise in one specific area of the above topics with the ability to become the go-to resource within a team from differing backgrounds.
Experience with experimental computer architecture research, software infrastructure development and evaluation.
A track record of well-documented open-source software release.
Experience with C, C++, CUDA, Python, and scripting languages. MPI and NACL would be a plus.
Strong interpersonal skills are needed and being a creative and dynamic presenter is a huge advantage.
Ability to work with emerging workloads such as recommender systems, graph analytics, and data frames.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and productive people in the world working for us. If you're creative and collaborative researcher, 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, System Software and I/O Architecture at NVIDIA rates 87 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, System Software and I/O Architecture 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 January 9, 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.

Also common in research scientist jobs at this level

Machine learning PyTorch LLM Deep learning Reinforcement learning 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

Want an expert to read your CV for this job?

Free. Send your CV and the role you want next. You get your review by email within 24 hours.

Get a free CV review Get your CV rewritten Check your resume with the ATS resume checker

Get new research scientist jobs (Builds AI ●●●●) by email

One email a week with the new research scientist jobs (Builds AI ●●●●), each rated for how much AI is in the work. No recruiter spam, unsubscribe in one click.

Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe in one click.