AI Insights
NVIDIA

System Software Engineer - Data Center Diagnostics

NVIDIA · Santa Clara, California, US
full-timestaff (12-20 yrs)Posted 22d ago
Software EngineeringIC4ICOn-siteVisa Sponsored
StackCC++Embedded SystemsDevice DriversPCIeNVLinkInfiniBandEthernetDMARDMAOperating SystemsComputer ArchitectureSystem SoftwareGPU ArchitectureDebuggingTest AutomationDiagnostics

Summary

Senior systems software engineering role at NVIDIA focused on building diagnostic and stress-testing applications for next-gen GPUs, SOCs, and HPC servers. Involves deep hardware-software co-design across architecture, driver, and validation teams.

About the role

We are seeking software engineers to work on next-generation graphics and computing products. Our charter is to build the most stressful set of applications a GPU/SOC or high performance computing server would see in its life cycle. The best candidates will have strong C/C++ programming skills, thorough knowledge of graphics concepts and algorithms, a solid foundation of systems software with emphasis on OS fundamentals, and a deep understanding of current generation PC/hardware/embedded architecture. Excellent communication skills and a dedication to meticulous engineering practices are a requirement. As a test automation  software engineer, you will extensively use your knowledge of operating systems, algorithms, computer architecture and programming skills to provide robust and efficient solutions to validate and test next generation processors.

What you'll be doing:

  • Working closely with architecture, hardware and driver teams through the product development lifecycle of computing and graphics processors, as well as compute products.

  • Develop and drive quality improvement initiatives

  • Collaboration with teams across the company to plan and drive software objectives for the team

  • Responsible for crafting software tools and infrastructure required for new chip development, validation, and productization.

  • Assess new hardware features and architect diagnostic solutions using pre-beta driver extensions.

  • This job will require an understanding of our hardware and software architectures.

What we need to see:

  • B. Tech or M. Tech degree in one of following areas: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent experience.

  • 12+ years of embedded software experience and passion about design and development of system software, device drivers etc.

  • Strong C / C++ programming skills.

  • Familiarity with PC architecture, and ability to work close to the hardware.

  • Background with PCIe, NVLink or server product technologies like InfiniBand and Ethernet

  • Having Networking skills is a plus.

  • Having DMA and RDMA skills

  • Thorough understanding of computer architecture, operating system fundamentals, algorithms

  • Very strong problem solving and debugging skills

  • Previous experience of working on a large system software code base is preferable

  • Ability to self-manage, show leadership, and have good interpersonal skills 

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.

What you'll do

1Work closely with architecture, hardware, and driver teams throughout the product development lifecycle of computing and graphics processors
2Develop and drive quality improvement initiatives across GPU/SOC validation
3Collaborate cross-functionally to plan and drive software objectives for the team
4Design and build software tools and infrastructure required for new chip development, validation, and productization
5Assess new hardware features and architect diagnostic solutions using pre-beta driver extensions
6Build stress-testing applications that represent the most demanding workloads a GPU/SOC or HPC server would encounter in its lifecycle

Requirements

12+ years of embedded software experience with deep focus on system software and device driver development
Strong C/C++ programming skills with hands-on experience in low-level hardware-proximate code
Solid understanding of PC/server architecture including PCIe, NVLink, InfiniBand, and Ethernet interconnects
Thorough knowledge of OS fundamentals, computer architecture, and algorithm design
Proven experience working on large-scale system software codebases with strong debugging and problem-solving skills

Nice to have

Networking
RDMA
DMA
InfiniBand
NVLink
PCIe
GPU/SOC Architecture
Pre-beta Driver Development
HPC Server Technologies

Role overview

Role family
Software Engineering
Level
IC4 — embedded
Experience
12–20 years
Type
Individual Contributor
Remote policy
On-site
Visa sponsorship
Available

Tech stack analysis

LANGUAGES
CC++
INFRASTRUCTURE
PCIeNVLinkInfiniBandEthernetGPU/SOC platformsHPC servers
TOOLS
Pre-beta driver extensionsDiagnostic toolingStress-testing frameworks

Salary estimate

$220K – $320K
AI-estimated salary range
Confidence82%
Reasoning

NVIDIA is a top-tier semiconductor company known for highly competitive compensation. A staff-level systems software engineer with 12+ years of experience in Santa Clara, CA, working on GPU diagnostics and deep hardware-software co-design, would command $220K–$320K total compensation. Base salary likely $180K–$230K with RSUs and bonus pushing TC significantly higher. Estimates based on Levels.fyi data for NVIDIA Staff/Senior Staff SWE roles in 2025–2026.

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Green flags

4 items
Explicitly mentions 'unprecedented growth' and 'rapidly growing elite engineering teams', signaling active expansion and career advancement potentialgrowth

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Benefits breakdown

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Hiring insights

JD quality
6/10
Urgency
medium
Autonomy
high
Team size
medium (5-15)

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Red flags

PRO4 items
Salary is not disclosed; only vague mention of 'competitive salaries' — no transparency on total compensation or equitycompensation

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Interview insights

PRO
Rounds
6
Duration
4 wks
Difficulty
very hard
Take-home
No

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Career path

PRO
Next roles
Principal Software EngineerSenior Staff Software EngineerEngineering Manager - Systems Software

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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 difficultyvery hard
Build vs Maintainbuild
Cross-functionalYes