Senior Compiler Engineer - Backend GPU

NVIDIA Corporation; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 152,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA Corporation in the United States is seeking a Senior Backend Compiler Engineer to lead LLVM-based backend development for NVIDIA GPUs. You will design and implement high-performance compilation passes and collaborate with global teams across hardware and software.

This role offers exposure to cutting-edge GPU architectures, strong C++ programming, and the opportunity to influence the next generation of graphics and compute pipelines. Applications will close on 2026-08-17.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in CS/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years compiler development including 3+ years LLVM code generation.
• Expertise in LLVM code generation: instruction scheduling, software pipelining, register allocation, GlobalISel, TableGen, LLVM IR, MIR.
• Excellent C++ programming skills for industry standard compilers.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals and good documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a new LLVM-based backend JIT compiler for NVIDIA GPUs.
• Develop compiler passes and optimizations for high performance and low compile time.
• Collaborate with global teams to drive improvements and resolve issues.
• Apply LLVM compiler tech to deliver robust, supportable tools.
• Contribute to future GPU architectures.

Skills

LLVM code generation

C++ programming

Compiler development

Performance analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering or equivalent

Masters or PhD preferred

Tools

GlobalISel

TableGen

LLVM IR

Machine IR (MIR)

Job description

NVIDIA's invention of the GPU 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing — with the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Today, we are increasingly known as “the AI computing company”.

We are searching for a Senior Backend Compiler Engineer with experience in LLVM code generation for an exciting and fun role in our GPU Software organization. Our Compiler team is responsible for constructing and emitting the highest performance GPU machine instructions for Graphics (OpenGL, Vulkan, DX) and Compute (CUDA, PTX, OpenCL, Fortran, C++). This team is comprised of worldwide leading compiler engineering experts who provide leading edge performance and capabilities for NVIDIA's current and future complex parallel SIMT architectures.

What you will be doing:

• Guide the design and implementation of a new LLVM based backend JIT compiler targeting NVIDIA GPUs
• Design and develop new compiler passes and optimizations required to meet the high performance and low compilation time requirements of the compiler
• Work with global compiler, hardware and application teams to oversee improvements and problem resolutions
• Apply and adapt the latest compiler technologies to produce premier, robust, supportable compiler and tools
• Get a chance to influence and work on new GPU architectures

What we need to see:

• B.S. or higher degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience
• 4+ years of compiler development experience including 3+ years of experience in LLVM with a focus in code generation
• Expertise in LLVM code generation including instruction scheduling, software pipelining, register allocation, GlobalISel, TableGen, LLVM IR, and Machine IR (MIR)
• Proficient in compiler design and in performance analysis tools
• Excellent hands-on C++ programming skills applied to industry standard C++ compilers and development frameworks
• Strong background in software engineering principles with a focus on crafting robust and maintainable solutions to challenging problems
• Good communication and documentation skills and self-motivated

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Masters or PhD preferred, with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Experience developing compiler optimizations and code generation for GPUs
• Experience in developing CUDA, DirectX, OpenGL/Vulkan applications
• You should have strong interpersonal skills and be capable of leading and influencing others in the department

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 17, 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.