Senior System Software Engineer - Simulation Software

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior System Software Engineer - Simulation Software 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 software engineer role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 2,600+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

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.

Join the Simulation Software team at NVIDIA as a Senior System Software Engineer! This role offers an outstanding opportunity to work on breakthrough technology that drives everything from self-driving cars to advanced AI solutions. Our Mission is to accelerate early System Software development by enabling Chips Simulation as a trusted and reliable virtual platform.

What you will be doing:

Drive early software bring-up on simulation platforms for new chip and platform programs
Verify platform readiness and validate software functionality in pre-silicon development environments
Develop scripts, tools, and automation that improve productivity, reliability, and scale for simulation-based software development
Enable module teams to use simulation platforms effectively for development, debugging, and validation
Debug complex issues spanning software, platform configuration, infrastructure, and simulation environment interactions
Improve developer experience for teams using simulation infrastructure through better workflows, diagnostics, and tooling

What we need to see:

BS, MS, or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
5+ years of relevant software development experience.
Strong C/C++ and Python programming skills
Hands-on experience with SystemC, VDK, or similar simulation platforms
Experience with system software bring-up, platform validation, low-level software development, or infrastructure-facing systems engineering
Strong Linux fundamentals, including shell scripting, process/debug tools, and development workflows
Strong debugging and problem-solving skills across software stacks, tools, platform behavior, and system interactions
Experience building developer tools, automation, test infrastructure, triage workflows, or tooling focused on improving efficiency
Ability to work across teams and drive technical execution in ambiguous early-development environments

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Experience with pre-silicon development, primarily Simulation. Emulation, FPGA, virtual platforms would be a plus.
Background with boot flows, drivers, firmware interactions, kernel or platform software, or hardware-software interfaces
Familiarity with log analysis, failure triage, regression infrastructure, and validation workflows at scale
Experience enabling other engineering teams through shared tooling, workflows, and technical guidance
Experience in silicon bring-up, early platform enablement, or transition from pre-silicon to silicon validation

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 range for this position is 152,000 USD – 241,500 USD.

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 System Software Engineer - Simulation Software at NVIDIA rates 5 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.