Senior System Software Engineer - CPU SoC Boot Firmware

NVIDIA Gruppe; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking energetic, technically savvy engineers to join the Tegra Core Firmware team in Santa Clara. You will help build the boot stack firmware for the Tegra chipset, focusing on ARM/bare-metal development with C and Python, Linux kernel work, and safety verification.

As part of the team, you will decompose requirements, perform failure analysis, and validate features on pre-silicon platforms, with collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in EE/CS/CE or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of relevant proven experience
• Experience in low-level boot firmware development, ARM technologies and bare metal
• Excellent C and Python programming and debugging skills
• Detailed experience with Linux kernel software
• Experience in automotive software development and V-model would be a plus
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Build robust features for Tegra core boot firmware under the V-model established by safety and security standards
• Definition, decomposition and verification of functional/safety requirements and architecture
• Perform failure analysis (FMEA/DFA) on Bootloader functionality and architecture
• Collaboration is key in developing partnerships with team members
• Validate and verify features on pre-silicon simulation platforms prior to tapeout
• Silicon verification, features development followed by post Silicon support

Skills

C programming

Python programming

Linux kernel

ARM technologies

Debugging

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor/Master in EE/CS/CE

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.

We are now actively looking for energetic, enthusiastic and technologically savvy engineers to join the Tegra Core Firmware team. Here we architect and develop the boot stack firmware for the flagship Tegra chipset which are the core components for high-compute platforms for automotive, datacenter and other critical applications. The best candidates will have excellent C and Python programming skills, a thorough understanding of operating systems and kernel programming, a good understanding of hardware architecture, and excellent communication and planning skills. The candidate will also have good understanding of automotive functionality safety and security standards and their application in semiconductor projects.

What You’ll be Doing:

• As a member of the Tegra core firmware team, you will build robust features for Tegra core boot firmware under the V-model established by safety and security standards.
• Definition, decomposition and verification of functional/safety requirements and architecture.
• Perform failure analysis (FMEA/DFA) on Bootloader functionality and architecture.
• We take pride in our software family of engineers, so collaboration is the key(!) in developing partnerships with members internal and external to your team.
• Validate and verify features on pre-silicon simulation platforms prior to tapeout.
• Silicon verification, features development followed by post Silicon support.

What We Need to See:

• BS or MS degree in EE/CS/CE or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of relevant proven experience
• Experience in low-level boot firmware development, specifically in areas of ARM technologies and programming is invaluable and on bare metal an additional plus.
• Excellent C and Python programming and debugging skills
• Detailed and extensive experience with Linux kernel software is required
• Experience in automotive software development and verification process under the V-model would be a plus.
• Excellent Interpersonal Skills

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Demonstrate your passion for building new technologies
• Out of the box thinking !
• Articulate your thoughts succinctly
• Experience working with AI tools such as Codex, creating agentic AI tools

Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 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 August 3, 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.