Senior Software Program Manager

NVIDIA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 322,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

NVIDIA Automotive Software team is seeking a Senior Software Program Manager to lead the DRIVE OS development program, coordinating across software, hardware integration, SQA, and product management to ensure timely, quality releases.

You will manage release definitions, risk mitigation, and cross-site collaboration with global teams and external consultants, ensuring adherence to safety and industry standards throughout the lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Requires 8+ years leading system software engineering projects.
• BS/MS in Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience planning, managing execution and driving roadblocks for embedded OS software.

Responsibilities

• Drive and track software releases for new hardware or software features.
• Lead the software release cycle across development, hardware integration, SQA, and product management.
• Define releases, manage features, bug fixes, testing, and documentation.
• Manage risks and resolve issues affecting release scope, schedule, and quality.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on software issues and technical feedback.
• Regularly communicate program status and key issues to management and define work packages for external consultants.
• Ensure successful deployment of DRIVEOS processes within assigned releases.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 26262, ISO 21434, and ASPICE best practices.

Skills

Project leadership

Embedded software

Planning & scheduling

Configuration management

Communication skills

Global releases

Automation scripting

Education

BS or MS in CS

Tools

Jira

Jama

Job description

At NVIDIA, our life’s work is to amplify human imagination and intelligence. The automotive industry is at disruption & NVIDIA is at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle revolution, powering many key solutions for major car manufacturers. We are engaged in the key areas of automotive business where visual computing & AI matters: AI Cockpit and Autonomous Vehicles (AV). Autonomous vehicles need a supercomputer on wheels, it’s an AI & SW heavy computational challenge. There isn’t an off-the-shelf platform which stands up to this challenge, so we are building our own. We need passionate, hard-working and creative people to help use pursue this ambitious project!

The NVIDIA Automotive Software team has a key opening for a Senior Software Program Manager. This group is responsible for the delivery of the core development programs (DRIVE OS) which form the basis for all customer specific programs, the main development context for the generic Automotive development platform as well as new technology bring-up and development. We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and isn’t afraid to roll-up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. You are a self-starter, with excellent interpersonal skills. You will support our software development teams, drive and track release & automotive safety milestones, handle software postings & communicate the plan across various Business Units!

What you’ll be doing:

• Drive and track software releases for new hardware or software features.
• Lead the software release cycle across development, hardware integration, SQA, and product management.
• Define releases, manage features, bug fixes, testing, and documentation.
• Manage risks and resolve issues affecting release scope, schedule, and quality.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on software issues and technical feedback.
• Regularly communicate program status and key issues to management and define and manage work packages for external consultants.
• Ensure successful deployment of DRIVEOS processes within assigned releases.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 26262, ISO 21434, and ASPICE best practices.

What we need to see:

• 8+ years leading system software engineering projects.
• BS/MS in Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong demonstrated experience in planning, managing execution and driving roadblocks for embedded, Operating Systems SW.
• Proficient in Configuration and Change Management.
• Excellent communication and technical presentation skills.
• Led global projects and successful releases with short cadences who is a proven strategic thinker with the ability to build consensus.
• Innovative problem solver for technical issues and resource conflicts who has delivered complex products to customers on time.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• ISO 26262 or 21434 assessment experience.
• ASPICE assessment experience for MAN process areas.
• Previous experience as an Automotive software developer or PM, enabling effective team mentorship.
• Proficient with Jira and/or Jama, with the ability to train engineering teams.
• Hands-on experience with scripting (Python, Google Scripts/JavaScript, REST APIs, Google Sheets) with strong understanding of software engineering principles.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 258,750 USD for Level 4, and 200,000 USD - 322,000 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 24, 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.