Senior Software Engineer - Autonomous Vehicles

Thomas To; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

NVIDIA in Santa Clara is seeking a software engineer to own core online mapping software for autonomous driving. You will write production C++ for real-time embedded systems, optimize CUDA code, and shape the architecture to ensure safety and reliability across L2++, L3, and L4 programs.

The role requires 5+ years of production software experience, strong C++ skills, and the ability to work with algorithm engineers to integrate solutions into the AV stack. Equity and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in CS/EE or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of validated production-quality software experience.
• 3+ years of professional C++ development including modern C++.
• Experience designing software architecture for large long-lived codebases.
• Quality-first mindset with static analysis and high test coverage.
• Strong algorithms and data structures knowledge; collaborate with algorithm teams.
• Excellent communication and cross-team collaboration.
• Autonomous, responsible, and great problem-solver.

Responsibilities

• Build and own core online mapping software from architecture to deployment.
• Write production C++ for real-time embedded systems with correctness and determinism.
• Develop architecture and frameworks enabling code reuse across vehicle programs.
• Improve performance of C++/CUDA on NVIDIA DRIVE Orin and Thor and meet real-time budgets.
• Use GPU parallelism to accelerate mapping components.
• Integrate algorithmic solutions into the AV stack with algorithm engineers.
• Adhere to automotive safety standards (ASIL-B/D) with high-coverage tests.
• Handle real-time vehicle signals globally and ensure robust operation.

Skills

C++ development (modern)

Real-time embedded systems

Software architecture

Performance optimization

Cross-team collaboration

Strong communication

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

CUDA

Linux RT / QNX

Job description

Self-driving cars need to detect the road's course instantly, without relying on prior maps. We build an online mapping system that transforms raw sensor data into an accurate, live 3D model. This model shows lanes, boundaries, crosswalks, intersection structure, and traffic control semantics that the driving stack depends on. This is a software engineering role is central to that system. The algorithms are only as good as the software that runs them, so we need an engineer who obsesses over quality, performance, and architecture, and who can turn algorithmic ideas into safe, fast, maintainable code that runs in production vehicles on NVIDIA DRIVE Orin and Thor. The software you write will meet ASIL-B/D requirements and ship across L2++, L3, and L4 programs. You won't be developing the algorithms from scratch, but you'll need a strong grasp of them. You'll work closely alongside algorithm engineers, and you need to understand what the code is doing to implement, optimize, and test it well.

What You'll Be Doing

• Build and own core online mapping software operating in the car, from architecture through implementation to deployment.
• Write production C++ for real-time embedded systems, with a focus on correctness, determinism, and maintainability.
• Build software architecture and frameworks that promote code reuse, clean interfaces, and long-term maintainability across vehicle programs.
• Improve performance of C++ and CUDA code running on NVIDIA DRIVE Orin and Thor, employing profilers to detect and address bottlenecks and to meet real-time budgets.
• Use GPU parallelism (CUDA) to make compute-heavy mapping components fast and efficient.
• Implement and incorporate algorithmic solutions from the mapping team into the core of NVIDIA's AV stack, collaborating with algorithm engineers to understand and improve them.
• Develop according to automotive safety standards (ASIL-B/D). Employ thorough static analysis and adhere to coding guidelines committed to safety. Reach 100% line and branch coverage through detailed unit and integration tests.
• Handle real-time system signals from vehicles operating around the world, building software that is robust to varied conditions and failure modes.
• Collaborate with perception, localization, planning, and infrastructure groups to incorporate online mapping into the complete AV stack across L2++, L3, and L4 programs.

What We Need To See

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of validated experience building robust, production-quality software.
• 3+ years of professional C++ development experience, including modern C++ and a strong grasp of memory management, concurrency, and performance.
• Experience designing software architecture and APIs for large, long-lived codebases.
• A quality-first mentality: comfortable with static analysis, unit testing, and high-coverage test strategies.
• Solid understanding of algorithms and data structures, and the ability to work with algorithm developers and understand their work.
• Strong communication and analytical skills, and the ability to work optimally across multiple teams.
• Autonomous and responsible, demonstrating outstanding teamwork while enjoying solving hard problems.

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd

• Software development on embedded, real-time, or automotive platforms, including experience with real-time operating systems (e.g., QNX, Linux RT).
• Experience with functional safety standards and processes (ISO 26262, ASIL-B/D), MISRA or AUTOSAR C++ coding guidelines, and safety-qualified toolchains.
• Experience achieving high or full structural coverage (line and branch, ideally MC/DC) on production code.
• Experience with GPGPU programming (CUDA) and GPU performance tuning.
• Strong skills in runtime profiling and optimization of CPU and GPU code.

Autonomous Vehicles

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and other objective job-related factors. The expected base salary ranges for this position are: 152,000 USD – 241,500 USD for Level 3; and 184,000 USD – 287,500 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until November 9, 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.