Senior System Software Engineer, Vulkan Performance

NVIDIA Gruppe; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 152,000 - 287,500; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Vulkan Performance driver engineer to optimize graphics pipelines from game engines to hardware, delivering best-in-class performance, power efficiency and latency.

You will diagnose bottlenecks, implement driver improvements and collaborate across NVIDIA teams to ship industry-leading drivers; 5+ years in graphics or systems, with strong C/C++ and Vulkan/OpenGL/DirectX skills are expected.

Qualifications

• Hold a B.S. or higher degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in graphics software, system programming, or related field.
• Strong understanding of graphics fundamentals and computer architecture; experience with Vulkan, OpenGL or DirectX.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose GPU/CPU performance bottlenecks in Vulkan and Proton titles.
• Identify API usage changes to improve performance and communicate with developers.
• Implement driver performance improvements and resolve defects.
• Collaborate with engineers across NVIDIA.
• Develop a driver that leads industry quality and performance.

Skills

C/C++

Graphics fundamentals

Operating systems knowledge

Vulkan/OpenGL/DirectX

High-performance code

Assembly familiarity

Education

B.S. or higher in CS/Engineering

Job description

As a Vulkan Performance driver engineer, you will have a hand in everything from the game engine down to bare metal! You will be part of a team whose mission it is to achieve the best possible performance, power-efficiency, and latency for the latest games and creative applications. You'll work with some of the brightest minds in the field of computer graphics and high-performance processor design.

What you will be doing:

• Diagnosing GPU and CPU performance bottlenecks in Vulkan and Proton titles.
• Identifying changes to API usage to improve performance and communicating via appropriate channels with third-party developers.
• Implementing driver performance improvements and resolving driver defects.
• Collaborating with engineers on the team and across NVIDIA.
• Developing a driver that leads the industry in quality and performance.

What we need to see:

• Hold a B.S. or higher degree in Computer Science/Engineering or similar field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience (or equivalent) in graphics software, system programming, or related field.
• An understanding of graphics fundamentals, experience with operating systems and a solid understanding of computer architecture is required
• Comfortable with Vulkan, OpenGL or DirectX
• Strong programming skills in C and C++, familiarity with assembly code
• Experience in developing highly optimized code

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Strong interest and background in 3D graphics
• Working experience inside operating system kernels and device drivers
• Ability to think creatively to debug and solve complex, hard to reproduce problems
• A strong standout colleague; self-motivated with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability and flexibility to work and communicate effectively in a multinational, multi-time zone corporate environment

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and talented people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our elite engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, 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 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 July 31, 2026.

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.