Principal Engineer, Compilers and Formal Methods

NVIDIA; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 248,000 - 391,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits package

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking an exceptional computer scientist to lead research at the intersection of compilers, programming languages, formal methods, and automated reasoning. You will develop next-generation compiler technologies, investigate formal semantics and verification, and influence NVIDIA's compiler stack across GPUs and AI accelerators.

The role spans fundamental research and practical compiler engineering, with opportunities to mentor teams and produce production-ready technology.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience in computer science or related field.
• 15+ years of expertise in compiler construction, programming languages, formal methods, or related areas.
• Strong understanding of compiler fundamentals: IRs, control-flow/data-flow analysis, static analysis, and transformations.

Responsibilities

• Lead research in compiler technology, programming languages, formal methods, and automated reasoning.
• Develop next-generation compiler techniques for GPUs and heterogeneous platforms.
• Develop formal foundations for compiler transformations and prove optimization correctness.
• Research verified compiler optimizations and proof-producing transformations.
• Develop scalable program analyses to handle complex programs and transformations.
• Explore generation of proofs, invariants, specifications, and correctness certificates for compiler transformations.
• Investigate how large language models and generative AI can assist compiler construction and verification.
• Collaborate with NVIDIA teams to transition research prototypes into production compiler technology.
• Mentor researchers and engineers in compiler technology, programming languages, formal verification, and automated reasoning.

Skills

Compiler construction

Programming languages

Formal methods

Automated reasoning

Program analysis

Education

PhD in Computer Science/Engineering/Mathematics

15+ years in compiler research/industry

Tools

SMT/SAT solvers

Compiler infrastructure

Job description

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.

We are looking for an exceptional computer scientist to lead research at the intersection of compilers, programming languages, formal methods, and automated reasoning. As a Principal Engineer, Compilers & Formal Methods, you will develop next-generation compiler technologies that combine advanced program analysis and optimization with rigorous methods for establishing program correctness. You will investigate how formal semantics, automated reasoning, program synthesis, and verification can fundamentally improve the reliability and capabilities of compilers. The role spans fundamental research and practical compiler engineering, with opportunities to influence NVIDIA's compiler stack for GPUs, AI accelerators, domain‑specific systems, and emerging computing architectures.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead research in compiler technology, programming languages, formal methods, and automated reasoning.
• Develop next-generation compiler techniques for translating high-level programs into efficient code for GPUs and heterogeneous computing platforms.
• Develop formal foundations for compiler transformations and establish that optimizations preserve specified program semantics.
• Research verified and formally grounded compiler optimizations, including techniques for automatically proving the correctness of transformations.
• Develop scalable program analyses that enable compilers to reason about increasingly complex programs and transformations.
• Investigate techniques for automatically generating proofs, invariants, specifications, and correctness certificates for compiler transformations.
• Investigate how large language models and generative AI can assist compiler construction, optimization, program transformation, verification, and debugging.
• Collaborate with NVIDIA compiler, CUDA, GPU architecture, AI, systems software, and research teams to transition research prototypes into production compiler technology.
• Mentor researchers and engineers working on compiler technology, programming languages, formal verification, and automated reasoning.

What we need to see:

• PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.
• 15+ years academic and/or industry expertise in compiler construction, programming languages, formal methods, or closely related areas.
• Strong understanding of compiler fundamentals, including intermediate representations, control-flow and data-flow analysis, static analysis and program transformation

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Research in verified compilation or formally verified compiler transformations.
• Experience with translation validation, certified compilation, proof-producing compilation, and semantics-preserving optimization
• Background with SMT/SAT solvers and automated reasoning systems.
• Experience developing sophisticated compiler infrastructure or intermediate representations.

If you are passionate about compilers, formal reasoning, and building systems that can automatically transform and prove the correctness of programs, we want to hear from you. 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 248,000 USD - 391,000 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until October 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.