System Software Engineering Lead

NVIDIA is hiring a System Software Engineering Lead 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

Level rates this role Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
Level classifies it as a lead role.
Level lists 1,800+ other open roles at NVIDIA.

AI in this role

NVIDIA is searching for a highly motivated, creative engineer with direct experience in Linux kernel mode drivers to help us deliver on the future of GPU driver software. This is a rare opportunity to join a new team working on future drivers for our GPU's. You'll get involved with making key architectural decisions that will have a lasting impact on our software. In this role you'll have the exciting opportunity to figure out how to intersect the GPU and Linux kernel roadmaps to ensure NVIDIA's future success!

What you'll be doing:

Work with a small team on a new kernel mode Linux driver that will support the latest generation of NVIDIA GPU's.
Collaborate directly with the Linux kernel community to make patches in support of NVIDIA hardware.
Influence the architecture and design of NVIDIA GPU kernel software to work well upstream
Represent NVIDIA GPU software to the open source community

What we need to see:

10+ years industry experience as a software developer
BS or MS degree in EE/CS/CE (or equivalent experience)
Experience doing device drivers and kernel mode software
Direct experience on Linux kernel development with a track record of successfully upstreaming patches

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you're creative, passionate and self-motivated, we want to hear from you! NVIDIA is leading the way in groundbreaking developments in Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and Visualization. The GPU, our invention, serves as the visual cortex of modern computers and is at the heart of our products and services.

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

System Software Engineering Lead at NVIDIA rates 18 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.