Senior System Software Engineer, Vulkan Performance

NVIDIA is hiring a Senior System Software Engineer, Vulkan Performance 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 classes it as a senior role.
NVIDIA has 2,700+ other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

As a Vulkan Performance driver engineer, you will have a hand in everything from the game engine down to bare metal! You will be part of a team whose mission it is to achieve the best possible performance, power-efficiency, and latency for the latest games and creative applications. You'll work with some of the brightest minds in the field of computer graphics and high-performance processor design.

What you will be doing:

Diagnosing GPU and CPU performance bottlenecks in Vulkan and Proton titles.
Identifying changes to API usage to improve performance and communicating via appropriate channels with third-party developers.
Implementing driver performance improvements and resolving driver defects.
Collaborating with engineers on the team and across NVIDIA.
Developing a driver that leads the industry in quality and performance.

What we need to see:

Hold a B.S. or higher degree in Computer Science/Engineering or similar field or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience (or equivalent) in graphics software, system programming, or related field.
An understanding of graphics fundamentals, experience with operating systems and a solid understanding of computer architecture is required
Comfortable with Vulkan, OpenGL or DirectX
Strong programming skills in C and C++, familiarity with assembly code
Experience in developing highly optimized code

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Strong interest and background in 3D graphics
Working experience inside operating system kernels and device drivers
Ability to think creatively to debug and solve complex, hard to reproduce problems
A strong standout colleague; self-motivated with strong interpersonal skills
Ability and flexibility to work and communicate effectively in a multinational, multi-time zone corporate environment

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and talented people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our elite engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, 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:
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 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, Vulkan Performance at NVIDIA rates 17 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.