Senior VLSI CAD Software Engineer

NVIDIA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 310,500; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to contribute to high-impact VLSI CAD software development. The role includes full-cycle responsibilities from architecture to design in a dynamic Agile environment.

Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years in CAD/EDA tool development and expertise in C++, Java, or C#. A competitive salary ranges from $168,000 to $310,500 based on level and experience, with eligibility for equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in CAD/EDA tool development.
• Skilled in software system architecture.
• Desire to use sound software design principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support high-capacity chip design tools.
• Write innovative and high-quality code for engineering applications.
• Collaborate with internal engineering customers worldwide.

Skills

CAD data structures

C++

Java

C#

Object-Oriented design

Education

MS CS/CPE or BS CS/CPE

Tools

C++20

Java 21

git

IDEs (IntelliJ/Visual Studio/CLion)

unit test frameworks

CI/CD tools

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 NVIDIA, 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 talented Software Engineer to join our small team building custom, high-impact VLSI CAD software in a technically challenging and highly visible domain. This is a full-cycle role with meaningful opportunities to contribute to architecture and design, working in a streamlined Agile environment using modern development tooling, including best-in-class AI‑assistants. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing next‑generation design tools and workflows to help shape how our core product lines are designed.

What you'll be doing:

• Design, development, review, test, and support of high‑capacity and high‑performance chip design and visualization tools, with possible tasks ranging from modeling to algorithms
• Writing challenging, innovative, well-designed, high‑quality new code for desktop engineering applications
• Participate in a variety of agile practices with fellow developers
• Collaborate with internal engineering customers worldwide to envision new tools and define their requirementsbe doing, *who* they'll be working with, and *how* their work will fit into NVIDIA's work

What we need to see:

• MS CS/CPE or BS CS/CPE (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 10 years of experience in CAD/EDA tool development
• Skill in CAD data structures and algorithms, especially for physical VLSI design automation
• Expert skills in C++, Java , or C#
• Proficiency with modern software platforms and tools (e.g. C++20, Java 21, git, IDEA/Visual Studio/CLion, unit test frameworks, CI/CD)
• Skilled in software system architecture and Object‑Oriented design
• Desire to use sound software design principles in a modern and evolving AI environment
• Able to adapt to the needs of our team’s growing scope and vision
• Experience with AI‑based code assistant tools

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Experience designing and writing code for large‑scale design automation tools
• Performance analysis and tuning experience
• Knowledge of at least one physical CAD data model
• Interested in VLSI chip design concepts and EDA tools

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD for Level 4, and 196,000 USD - 310,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until April 24, 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.