
System Software Engineer - Data Center Diagnostics
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
Requirements
Nice to have
Role overview
Tech stack analysis
Salary estimate
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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Sign up free →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.