Senior Software Engineer, Chips System Software

NVIDIA is searching for a creative and highly motivated engineer with expertise in System Software to join the Chips System Software organization. You will design and develop key aspects of our chip-specific kernel drivers and embedded software, with a strong focus on Linux kernel development, Core OS enablement, chip and platform bring-up, and automation across both pre-silicon and silicon platforms.

In this role, you will work closely with hardware, silicon, pre-silicon, and software teams to enable next-generation chips from early modeling and simulation through production deployment. The ideal candidate is self-driven with strong technical ownership who enjoys solving complex hardware and software integration challenges while driving projects end-to-end.

This is an on-site position based at NVIDIA's Santa Clara, California office. Candidates are expected to work from the Santa Clara location and collaborate closely with local engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and verify features for our next-generation chips architecture, collaborating with hardware engineers and fellow software engineers.
• Influence hardware architecture and system software design through architecture reviews, design specifications, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Work closely with hardware, silicon, and pre-silicon teams to bring up new platforms, products, and prototype systems.
• Enable Linux and core operating system software across simulation, emulation, FPGA, and silicon platforms.
• Debug and resolve complex hardware and software integration issues across multiple layers of the software stack.

Requirements

• BS or MS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of relevant software development experience.
• Hands-on technical experience and demonstrated excellence in environments involving complex hardware and software designs.
• Strong expertise in C programming, Linux kernel development, and core operating system software.
• Experience developing and debugging Linux device drivers.
• Strong background in complex system-level debugging and root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with computer architecture fundamentals including caches, buses, memory controllers, DMA, interrupts, and low-level hardware interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive projects from design through deployment with strong end-to-end ownership.

Skills

• Deep expertise in Linux kernel internals, device drivers, and low-level system software enabling Linux on pre-silicon and silicon platforms.
• Experience with Buildroot and Linux distributions.
• Exceptional debugging and problem-solving skills in complex hardware/software integration environments.
• Contributions to Linux kernel or other open-source software projects.
• Demonstrated technical leadership through architecture, design, mentoring, or cross-functional project execution.

Benefits

At NVIDIA, you'll work alongside exceptional engineers to solve challenging problems in Linux kernel development, platform enablement, automation, and next-generation SoC technology.

Pay

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 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.