Senior System Software Engineer, Platform and Performance - GeForce Now

NVIDIA Corporation; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 224,000 - 357,000; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA Corporation in Santa Clara, CA, seeks a seasoned Systems Software Engineer to join the GeForce Now Platform Engineering team. You will design, develop, and optimize high-performance cloud gaming servers, bridging software and hardware across Linux kernel, KVM, and streaming workflows.

You will tackle performance tuning, CPU/GPU scheduling, and scale-wide system software, working with Python/C/C++/Rust in a cross-functional environment.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in CS, EE, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of experience in system software engineering for platform performance.
• Knowledge of OS kernel internals, memory management, CPU-to-Memory architecture.
• Proficiency in Python/C/C++/Rust.
• Experience working in performance critical software, tools, CPU/GPU scheduler.
• Passionate about software design and optimizing software performance.

Responsibilities

• Game Performance optimization
• Linux Kernel
• KVM Hypervisor
• System Software & optimization at scale
• Understand and apply gaming workloads, streaming software for kernel and user space interactions
• Bridge the gap between software and hardware for a cloud streaming service
• Understand and apply the factors that influence the performance and stability of a game

Skills

Python

C/C++

Rust

Kernel programming

Performance tuning

Education

BS/MS/PhD in CS/EE or related

Tools

Kubernetes

NVIDIA Nsight

Kernel Shark

GPUView

Job description

GeForce NOW, NVIDIA's next-generation gaming service powered by GPUs in the cloud, transforms a Mac, PC or mobile device into a high-performance gaming rig. GeForce NOW automatically keeps games up-to-date and lets users around the globe instantly stream the latest games in high-definition resolution at low latency and smooth frame-rates. We are looking for a versatile person to join our group of highly skilled and motivated engineers who bring GeForce NOW to life! As a member of the GeForce Now Platform Engineering team, you will help design, develop, and optimize high performant GeForce Now gaming servers with state-of-the-art NVIDIA GPUs. Are you passionate about working in a cross functional environment that makes cloud game streaming better than desktop gaming? If so, we want to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing:

• Game Performance optimization
• Linux Kernel
• KVM Hypervisor
• System Software & optimization at scale
• Understand and apply gaming workloads, streaming software for kernel and user space interactions
• Bridge the gap between software and hardware for a cloud streaming service
• Understand and apply the factors that influence the performance and stability of a game

What we need to see:

BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.

12+ years of experience in system software engineering for platform performance

Knowledge of OS kernel internals, memory management, computer architecture, CPU-to-Memory architecture

Proficiency in Python/C/C++/Rust

Experience working in performance critical software, tools, CPU/GPU scheduler

Passionate about software design and optimizing software performance

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Excellent knowledge in x86 and ARM architecture
• Prior experience with hypervisors, game engines, virtualization platforms
• Prior experience with tools like GPUView, Kubernetes, Nvidia Nsight, Kernel shark, etc.
• Proficiency in debugging complex problems

With a competitive salary package and benefits, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers.

We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us.

Are you a creative and autonomous Systems Software Engineer who loves challenges? Do you have a genuine passion for advancing the state of Computer Vision 3D across a variety of industries? If so, we want to hear from you.

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

The base salary range is 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 20, 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.

NVIDIA pioneered accelerated computing. Today, our AI infrastructure powers global intelligence, transforming every industry. Learn more about NVIDIA.