Senior System Software Engineer, NPI Data Center Diagnostics

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior System Software Engineer, NPI Data Center Diagnostics 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

Level rates this software engineer role Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
The posting mentions C, Python and CUDA among its tools and skills.
Level classes it as a senior role.
NVIDIA has 2,700+ other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

Develop system software and diagnostic tools for next-generation graphics and computing hardware.

cpythoncudaopenglpcienvlinkinfiniband

systems-softwaresoftware-engineeringcomputer-architecturediagnosticsdebugging

We are seeking software engineers to work on next-generation graphics and computing products. Our charter is to build the most stressful set of applications a GPU or high performance computing server would see in its life cycle. The best candidates will have strong C++ programming skills, detailed knowledge of graphics concepts and algorithms, a proven foundation of systems software with emphasis on OS fundamentals, and a deep understanding of current generation hardware architecture at systems level.

Excellent interpersonal skills and a dedication to meticulous engineering practices are a requirement. As a system software engineer, you will extensively use your knowledge of operating systems, algorithms, and computer architecture to provide robust and efficient solutions to validate and test next generation processors. Join us!

What you'll be doing:

Working closely with architecture, hardware and driver teams through the product development lifecycle of computing and graphics processors, as well as compute products.
Responsible for crafting software tools and infrastructure required for new chip development, validation, and productization.
You will assess new hardware features and architect manufacturing diagnostic tests using pre-beta CUDA and OpenGL extensions.
This job will require an understanding of our hardware and software architectures.

What we need to see:

BS or MS degree in one of the areas of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent experience
Strong C/C++ or Python programming skills
Familiarity with computer architecture, and ability to work close to the hardware
5+ years of relevant experience
Background with PCIe, NVLink or server product technologies like InfiniBand, Ethernet is a plus
Previous experience of working on a large system software code base is preferable
Very strong problem solving and debugging skills
Ability to self-manage, show leadership, and have good interpersonal skills

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 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 October 20, 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 System Software Engineer, NPI Data Center Diagnostics at NVIDIA rates 0 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.

Key facts

Senior System Software Engineer, NPI Data Center Diagnostics is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $152k-$242k a year.
The role is based in US, CA, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on September 15, 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

Systems SoftwareSoftware EngineeringComputer ArchitectureDiagnosticsDebuggingCPythonCUDA

Also common in software engineer jobs at this level

Java AWS Kubernetes TypeScript React Docker

Pay

This job starts at: $152k
Typical software engineer job: $167k

This posting starts 9% below the typical software engineer job. See software engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where systems software was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where software engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where computer architecture was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where diagnostics was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where debugging was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Systems Software, Software Engineering, Computer Architecture, Diagnostics, and Debugging. 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.

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