Senior LLVM Compiler Engineer

NVIDIA; California (MO); On-site; USD 184,000 - 287,500; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking an expert Senior Compiler Engineer to join the Compute Compiler Team in California. The role involves engaging with LLVM, Clang, and related open-source projects to improve compiler functionality. Responsibilities include leading design discussions, adapting downstream code for upstream quality, and collaborating with various teams. Preferred candidates have extensive experience with LLVM and a strong foundation in C++ programming. Compensation includes a salary range of $184,000 to $287,500, plus equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience with LLVM, Clang, MLIR, or similar compiler infrastructures.
• Excellent hands-on C++ programming skills.
• Solid understanding of compiler internals including IR design and code generation.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with LLVM, Clang, MLIR to upstream compiler features.
• Lead design discussions and code reviews in upstream communities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify suitable downstream capabilities.

Skills

C++ programming

LLVM

compiler internals

open-source engagement

technical communication

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Science

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking an expert Senior Compiler Engineer to join our Compute Compiler Team, focusing on upstream engagement with the LLVM ecosystem and advancing NVIDIA’s compiler technology through sustained participation in open‑source communities.

In this role you will work directly with LLVM, Clang, MLIR, and related open‑source projects to upstream compiler functionality that currently lives in NVIDIA’s downstream repositories. You will collaborate with the broader LLVM community to shape designs, influence technical direction, and ensure NVIDIA’s needs are met by supplying high‑quality, maintainable solutions that benefit the ecosystem as a whole.

What You Will Be Doing

• Work closely with LLVM, Clang, MLIR, and related open‑source communities to upstream compiler features, refactors, and infrastructure originating from NVIDIA’s downstream codebases
• Lead and contribute to design discussions, RFCs, and code reviews in upstream communities with an emphasis on long‑term maintainability and broad usefulness
• Refactor, adapt, and decompose downstream NVIDIA compiler code to meet upstream quality, abstraction, and API expectations
• Advocate for NVIDIA’s technical needs through credible engineering arguments, prototypes, and sustained community engagement
• Collaborate with internal compiler teams to identify which downstream capabilities are best suited for upstreaming and how to stage that work effectively
• Partner with architecture, performance, and product teams to translate NVIDIA hardware and software requirements into upstream‑viable compiler solutions
• Help shape NVIDIA’s long‑term open‑source LLVM strategy, balancing ecosystem health with NVIDIA’s platform goals
• Act as a technical ambassador for NVIDIA within the compiler open‑source community, strengthening trust and collaboration over time

What We Need To See

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 6+ years of experience with LLVM, Clang, MLIR, or similar compiler infrastructures
• Excellent hands‑on C++ programming skills
• Solid understanding of compiler internals, including IR design, transformations, analyses, and code generation pipelines
• Experience engaging with open‑source development workflows, including design discussions, code reviews, and upstream contribution processes
• Ability to navigate complex technical trade‑offs while balancing upstream community expectations with internal product needs
• Strong communication skills, including technical writing, design articulation, and cross‑organizational collaboration

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd

• Proven track record of upstream contributions to LLVM or related open‑source compiler projects
• Experience in successfully upstreaming non‑trivial production code from a downstream or proprietary environment
• Recognition within open‑source communities as a trusted contributor or reviewer
• Background in GPU architectures, CUDA, or parallel programming models
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks and performance‑critical workloads on NVIDIA GPUs

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: 184,000 USD – 287,500 USD, based on location, experience, and market. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Equal Opportunity

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. 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.