Senior System Simulation Architect

NVIDIA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 184,000 - 287,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior System Simulation Architect in Durham, North Carolina, to drive the development of CPU architectures. The role involves developing full-system functional models for complex workloads, integrating models with simulators, and supporting CPU architects with simulation tools. Candidates should have a BS/MS in EE, CE, or CS and at least 6 years of experience, alongside strong C/C++/Python skills. The salary range is from 184,000 to 287,500 USD based on qualifications, plus benefits and equity.

Qualifications

• 6 or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience in development of functional simulators and/or low-level software.
• Experience with the ARM ISA.

Responsibilities

• Develop full-system functional models for CPU workloads.
• Integrate functional models with RTL simulators and performance models.
• Port and develop system software for workload simulation needs.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python programming

System software debugging

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

BS/MS in EE, CE, or CS

Tools

Linux

CUDA

FPGA

Job description

Do you want to help drive the development of CPU architectures to fuel the explosive growth in artificial intelligence (AI) / deep learning (DL), high‑performance computing (HPC), gaming, virtual reality, and autonomous vehicles? Come join the CPU performance architecture team as a Senior System Simulation Architect and help us push performance boundaries for NVIDIA’s line of CPU products!

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop full‑system functional models capable of running complex multi‑threaded heterogeneous (CPU/GPU) workloads – with special focus on the CPU subsystem.
• Integrate functional models from various frameworks with RTL simulators and emulators, hardware (HW‑in‑the‑loop), and detailed performance models.
• Bring up system and application software in simulation and emulation – including firmware, Linux, drivers, benchmarks, and CPU/GPU workloads such as deep‑learning (DL) and high‑performance computing (HPC) workloads.
• Port/extend/develop system software (firmware, OS, and drivers) to meet workload simulation needs.
• Support CPU architects and performance engineers in their use of functional models, performance models, and emulation to drive next‑generation CPU architectures.

What We Need To See

• BS/MS in EE, CE, or CS or equivalent experience
• 6 or more years of relevant experience
• Excellent C/C++/Python programming skills
• Experience in development of functional simulators and/or low‑level software (OS, firmware, drivers); preferably both
• Excellent debugging skills – of both system software/firmware and application software
• Experience with the ARM ISA
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd

• Experience working with hardware emulators and/or FPGAs
• Background in CPU workload analysis (SimPoint, etc.)
• Experience with Linux kernel bringup and debug
• Familiarity with CUDA
• Experience with CPU/GPU application development and optimization in Pytorch, TensorFlow, and similar frameworks

NVIDIA is a global leader in accelerated computing, delivering breakthroughs in AI, HPC, and advanced system design. Our technologies power transformative applications across industries — from robotics and autonomous vehicles to healthcare and climate research. With the introduction of the Grace CPU Superchip, and more recently, the announcement of the Vera CPU, NVIDIA has expanded into the CPU server market, complementing our world‑class GPUs and SoCs. These CPUs play a critical role in orchestrating complex workloads with exceptional performance‑per‑watt efficiency. The CPU architecture team is driving innovations that integrate seamlessly with NVIDIA’s broader technology stack, enabling faster AI model training, agentic use‑cases, efficient data processing, and scalable cloud deployments.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD – 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD – 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 11, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse 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.