Senior Software Engineer, Networking

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior Software Engineer, Networking in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $184k-$288k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this software engineer role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
The listed pay starts 10% above the typical software engineer posting on Level.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 2,700+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

At NVIDIA, we are redefining the future of technology, and our Senior Software Engineer, Networking role offers a uniquely ambitious opportunity to contribute to world-class innovations. If you thrive in a collaborative and inclusive environment, are driven to succeed, and want to be part of something exceptionally impactful, this role is for you!

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer with Linux Kernel experience to join the Linux networking drivers R&D team. The work environment is versatile, informative, dynamic and challenging as our employees are currently working on innovative, next-generation network interface card at the forefront of technology.

What you'll be doing:

Develop high-quality code for the Linux kernel and open-source environments, contributing to the upstream kernel community.
Collaborate and debug with teams across the globe to provide the best networking solutions for our customers.
Drive complex technical issues to closure that may occur across team boundaries.
Lead the complete engineering process, including refining requirements, building data structures/algorithms, implementation, peer review, developer testing, and post-GA support.
Work in a fast-paced environment of continuous development and deployment cycles.
Craft and implement Linux kernel networking drivers for NVIDIA ConnectX and BlueField network adapters, as well as userspace libraries.

What we need to see:

Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
8+ years of proven experience in the field.
Native C programming experience.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
Experience with Linux kernel-level programming.
Deep understanding of networking drivers and software/hardware interaction, including device drivers, Linux kernel internals, and userspace/kernel interactions.
Strong networking knowledge — TCP/IP, L2/L3 protocols, and network device driver architecture.
Strong ability to self-manage and communicate effectively.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Proficiency in data structures and operating systems internals.
Previous experience with the upstream Linux kernel community and open-source contribution.
Hands-on expertise with RDMA and RoCE.
Having a Master's or similar experience in Computer Science is advantageous.

If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you. Join us in groundbreaking the next era of computing and make a lasting impact on the world!

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:
184,000 USD – 287,500 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 Software Engineer, Networking at NVIDIA rates 26 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.