Senior System Software Engineer

NVIDIA; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 224,000 - 356,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

NVIDIA in Champaign, IL seeks a Sr. Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group to push GPU-accelerated data processing at scale.

You will implement native C++/CUDA for Spark operations, build libraries for DataFrames, and work with open source communities to drive performance and reliability. Ideal candidates bring 9+ years of software development, strong C++, Java, and Scala skills, and experience with enterprise data platforms.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of experience in software development
• 5+ years hands on experience with data platform development
• BS/MS/PhD in computer science or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Proficiency in C++, Java, Scala
• Experience supporting enterprise customers
• Familiarity with the open source data platform ecosystem is a plus (Apache Spark, Velox, Presto, Apache Arrow, Apache DataFusion, etc.)
• Experience using AI tools in software development

Responsibilities

• Enable C++ native execution of Spark operations on CUDA
• Develop CUDA/C++ libraries to accelerate DataFrames and I/O operations on common file formats such as Parquet, ORC and JSON
• Collaborate with distributed systems teams to craft solutions to distributed processing problems at large scale
• Work with open source communities to enhance libraries like RAPIDS, CCCL and UCX through technical discussion and code contributions
• Provide recommendations and feedback to teams regarding decisions surrounding infrastructure, CI and testing strategy
• Build, test and optimize across different platforms

Skills

C++

Java

Scala

Education

BS/MS/PhD in computer science

Tools

CUDA

RAPIDS

UCX

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. Over the past five years GPU accelerated data processing has moved from proof of concept to production deployments. Many enterprises recognize accelerated computing is vital to handle their large data processing needs. Multi-node GPU deployments will reduce cloud computing costs and lower latency in batch ETL workloads. Apache Spark is the most popular data processing engine in data centers. At NVIDIA, we are developing an open source plugin to accelerate Spark applications on GPUs without any code changes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Enable C++ native execution of Spark operations on CUDA
• Develop CUDA/C++ libraries to accelerate DataFrames and I/O operations on common file formats such as Parquet, ORC and JSON
• Collaborate with distributed systems teams to craft solutions to distributed processing problems challenges at large scale
• Work with open source communities to enhance libraries like RAPIDS, CCCL and UCX through technical discussion and code contributions
• Provide recommendations and feedback to teams regarding decisions surrounding topics such as infrastructure, continuous integration and testing strategy
• Build, test and optimize across different platforms

What We Need To See

• 9+ years of experience in software development
• 5+ years hands on experience with data platform development
• BS/MS/PhD in computer science or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Proficiency in C++, Java, Scala
• Experience supporting enterprise customers
• Familiarity with the open source data platform ecosystem is a plus (Apache Spark, Velox, Presto, Apache Arrow, Apache DataFusion, etc.)
• Experience using AI tools in software development

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 July 14, 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.