AI Insights
NVIDIA

Client Platform Architect

NVIDIA · Santa Clara, California, US
full-timestaff (12-20 yrs)Posted 30d ago
Hardware/Platform EngineeringIC4ICOn-site
StackPlatform ArchitectureSystem ArchitectureSoC ArchitectureCPU Power ManagementThermal ManagementPower Delivery DesignBoard-Level Component AnalysisVR (Voltage Regulators)Board Support Package (BSP)Power BenchmarkingPerformance BenchmarkingReference Blueprint SpecificationsOEM/ODM EngagementBattery Life OptimizationElectrical EngineeringComputer Engineering

Summary

Senior individual contributor platform architect role at NVIDIA responsible for end-to-end client platform architecture, OEM/ODM technical engagement, reference blueprint definition, and power/performance differentiation across gaming and collaboration use cases.

About the 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.

NVIDIA is looking for an individual technical architect to lead and deliver overall Platform implementation using the most innovative elements available. Enable smooth interaction, interception, and development of a Reference and Form Factor Blueprint working internally with Platform and Si Architects. Frequent discussion with partners may be needed to agree on goals. You will deliver reference Blueprint specifications to product management, drive SW benchmarking process, align Power and Perf Benchmarking with business teams. Lead platform differentiation and implement configurable Platform features related to CPU, Power & Perf, Thermal Controls, power delivery, and Battery life improvements in various gaming & collaboration modes. Leads & specifies preferred power delivery & thermal cooling solutions along with driving board-level component analysis (components/power/thermal/VRs). Conducts Driven Spec Analysis between various OEMs reference blueprint implementation styles along with cost. Collaborates with internal and external engineers to influence all Board Support Package and Reference Blueprints incorporating all feedback from internal/external partners.

What you'll be doing:

  • Drive end‑to‑end platform architecture and implementation

  • Enable smooth definition, interception, and execution of reference builds and form‑factor builds in close collaboration with internal Platform Architects and Silicon Architects.

  • Act as the technical interface to OEMs and ODM and engage frequently with OEM/ODM representatives to align platform build choices, performance targets, and implementation constraints.

  • Define and deliver reference build specifications

  • Produce and hand off detailed reference framework specifications to Product Management and downstream teams to support product planning and execution.

  • Lead software, power, and performance benchmarking and lead software benchmarking initiatives and coordinate power and performance benchmarking activities with business units and OEM/ODM engineering partners.

  • Enable platform differentiation through configurable features

  • Plan and develop customizable platform functionalities involving CPU behavior, power management, performance tuning, power delivery, and battery-life optimization for different usage modes (e.g., gaming and collaboration).

  • Define power delivery solutions, components and power analysis.

  • Analyze and compare OEM reference build implementations, focusing on architectural choices, differentiation strategies, and cost implications.

What we need to see:

  • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering, or a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)

  • 12+ years of experience; must have a proven track record in system/platform architecture.

  • Extensive background in facilitating the creation of collaterals, power & thermal management, SoC/platform power rollups, scenario-based power and performance evaluations, and the ability to collaborate effectively with SoC and platform architects.

  • Familiarity analyzing data from use case scenarios and industry standard benchmarks, to assist in guiding internal data collection.

  • Enjoy being hands on in leading or being in the lab for implementing new use case models analysis.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Passion to collaborate and build outstanding platforms with an out-of-the-box view. A go-getter demeanor to investigate and understand technical requirements.

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 the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until March 3, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. 

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse 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.

What you'll do

1Drive end-to-end platform architecture and implementation for reference and form-factor builds
2Act as technical interface to OEM and ODM partners, aligning platform build choices, performance targets, and implementation constraints
3Produce and hand off detailed reference framework specifications to Product Management and downstream teams
4Lead software benchmarking initiatives and coordinate power and performance benchmarking with business units and OEM/ODM partners
5Plan and develop configurable platform features involving CPU behavior, power management, performance tuning, power delivery, and battery-life optimization for gaming and collaboration modes
6Define power delivery solutions and analyze board-level components, power, thermal, and VRs
7Analyze and compare OEM reference build implementations focusing on architectural choices, differentiation strategies, and cost implications
8Collaborate with internal and external engineers to influence Board Support Package and Reference Blueprints

Requirements

12+ years in system/platform architecture with a proven track record delivering end-to-end platform implementations
Deep expertise in power and thermal management including SoC/platform power rollups, scenario-based power and performance evaluations
Hands-on experience defining reference blueprints and board-level component/power/thermal/VR analysis
Ability to interface and collaborate with OEM/ODM partners to align platform build choices, performance targets, and implementation constraints
Strong background in CPU behavior tuning, power delivery solutions, and battery-life optimization across usage modes such as gaming and collaboration

Nice to have

Out-of-the-box platform thinking and go-getter demeanor for investigating technical requirements
Experience with industry-standard benchmarks and use-case scenario data analysis
Lab-based hands-on implementation and new use case model analysis

Role overview

Role family
Hardware/Platform Engineering
Level
IC4 — platform
Experience
12–20 years
Type
Individual Contributor
Remote policy
On-site
Visa sponsorship
Not offered

Tech stack analysis

TOOLS
Industry-standard benchmarks (PCMark, 3DMark, SPECpower implied)Board Support Package (BSP) tooling

Green flags

6 items
Salary range explicitly disclosed ($224K–$356.5K), which is highly transparent and above-market for the role.compensation

Discover all 6 green flags for this role

Sign up free →

Benefits breakdown

HEALTH & WELLNESS
Comprehensive benefits package (details at nvidiabenefits.com)

See all benefits organized by category — health, financial, time off & more

Sign up free →

Hiring insights

JD quality
8/10
Urgency
medium
Autonomy
high
Team size
medium (5-15)

See JD quality score, hiring urgency & team details

Sign up free →

Red flags

PRO4 items
12+ years of experience required — a very high bar that may screen out highly capable mid-career architects; also no explicit range given for years.requirements

See all 4 red flags — what the JD isn't telling you

Sign up free →

Interview insights

PRO
Rounds
5
Duration
4 wks
Difficulty
hard
Take-home
No

Get full interview breakdown — rounds, likely topics & prep tips

Sign up free →

Career path

PRO
Next roles
Principal Platform ArchitectDirector of Platform ArchitectureVP of Engineering (Client Platforms)

See where this role leads — full career progression

Sign up free →
About the company

NVIDIA is the world's leading designer of GPUs and AI computing platforms. Its chips power everything from gaming and data centers to autonomous vehicles and scientific research. With a market cap exceeding $2 trillion, NVIDIA's CUDA platform and AI accelerators have become the backbone of the global AI revolution.

HQSanta Clara, CA, USA
Interview difficultyhard
Build vs Maintainbuild
Cross-functionalYes