Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

NVIDIA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 272,000 - 431,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking a technical leader for their Graphics Developer Tools team to define and implement next-generation developer tools for graphics applications. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of experience in graphics software development and possess strong C++ programming skills.

The role emphasizes collaboration with multiple teams including NVIDIA Research and GPU architecture, aiming to innovate workflows and improve developer productivity. The base salary range for this position is between $272,000 and $431,250, based on experience and location.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience developing graphics software or developer tools.
• Deep understanding of modern graphics APIs.
• Proven ability to thrive in ambiguous environments.
• Experience designing software architectures.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the technical vision for developer tools.
• Design and prototype new tools.
• Collaborate with GPU architects and driver engineers.
• Mentor engineers and drive technical initiatives.

Skills

C++ software engineering

Graphics APIs (DirectX, Vulkan, Metal)

Technical leadership

Collaboration and communication

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

The Graphics Developer Tools team is seeking an exceptional technical leader to help shape the future of graphics development. This role spans multiple areas of NVIDIA's graphics software ecosystem, driving innovation across developer tools, graphics technologies, and next-generation development workflows. You will create and lead new strategic initiatives, partnering closely with NVIDIA Research, GPU Architecture, Driver, SDK, and Developer Technology teams to evaluate emerging technologies, prototype new ideas, and deliver solutions that improve how developers build, debug, profile, and optimize graphics applications. This is a hands‑on technical leadership role emphasizing vision, execution, influence, and collaboration. Success in this role comes from technical excellence and the ability to align teams around ambitious ideas.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Define and implement the technical vision and strategy for next-generation developer tools, workflows, and technologies that improve developer productivity.
• Design and prototype new tools that can evolve into production-ready software.
• Collaborate with GPU architects, driver engineers, SDK teams, and graphics developers to understand future needs and influence product direction.
• Drive technical initiatives across multiple organizations through collaboration and technical leadership.
• Mentor engineers and help establish engineering excellence within the larger Developer Tools organization.
• Engage with external developers, game studios, engine teams, and strategic partners to understand real-world workflows and pain points.
• Represent NVIDIA at industry events, technical conferences, and developer engagements.
• Influence the evolution of graphics development as AI increasingly transforms how software is built, optimized, and maintained.

What We Need To See:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 15+ years of experience developing graphics software, developer tools, game engines, GPU technologies, or related systems.
• Deep understanding of modern graphics APIs including DirectX, Vulkan, or Metal.
• Strong C++ software engineering skills and experience building large-scale software systems.
• Demonstrated technical leadership driving complex projects across multiple teams.
• Experience designing software architectures and influencing technical direction beyond a single codebase.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, research, product, and external developer communities.
• Proven ability to thrive in ambiguous environments and transform ideas into shipped products.

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd:

• Expertise in GPU architecture, memory systems, performance analysis, or graphics debugging.
• Experience with ray tracing technologies, neural rendering, or advanced rendering techniques using Vulkan or D3D12.
• Experience developing profilers, debuggers, validation tools, or SDKs.
• Experience applying machine learning or generative AI techniques to software development workflows.
• Contributions to game engines, graphics middleware, graphics SDKs, or open-source graphics projects.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 20, 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.