System Software Engineering Lead

NVIDIA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 184,000 - 356,500; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking a highly motivated software engineer with deep Linux kernel driver experience to join a new team focused on GPU driver software. You will participate in architectural decisions intersecting GPU and Linux kernel roadmaps to influence NVIDIA’s future direction and upstream collaboration with the kernel community.

You will work on a kernel mode Linux driver for the latest generation of NVIDIA GPUs, patch the kernel, and represent NVIDIA to open source communities, with a strong

Qualifications

• 10+ years industry experience as a software developer.
• BS or MS degree in EE/CS/CE (or equivalent experience).
• Experience doing device drivers and kernel mode software.
• Direct experience on Linux kernel development with a track record of successfully upstreaming patches.

Responsibilities

• Work with a small team on a new kernel mode Linux driver that will support the latest generation of NVIDIA GPU's.
• Collaborate directly with the Linux kernel community to make patches in support of NVIDIA hardware.
• Influence the architecture and design of NVIDIA GPU kernel software to work well upstream.
• Represent NVIDIA GPU software to the open source community.

Skills

Linux kernel development

Device drivers

Upstream patches

C/C++

Education

BS or MS in EE/CS/CE

Job description

NVIDIA is searching for a highly motivated, creative engineer with direct experience in Linux kernel mode drivers to help us deliver on the future of GPU driver software. This is a rare opportunity to join a new team working on future drivers for our GPU's. You'll get involved with making key architectural decisions that will have a lasting impact on our software. In this role you'll have the exciting opportunity to figure out how to intersect the GPU and Linux kernel roadmaps to ensure NVIDIA's future success!

What You'll Be Doing

• Work with a small team on a new kernel mode Linux driver that will support the latest generation of NVIDIA GPU's.
• Collaborate directly with the Linux kernel community to make patches in support of NVIDIA hardware.
• Influence the architecture and design of NVIDIA GPU kernel software to work well upstream
• Represent NVIDIA GPU software to the open source community

What We Need To See

• 10+ years industry experience as a software developer
• BS or MS degree in EE/CS/CE (or equivalent experience)
• Experience doing device drivers and kernel mode software
• Direct experience on Linux kernel development with a track record of successfully upstreaming patches

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. If you're creative, passionate and self-motivated, we want to hear from you! NVIDIA is leading the way in groundbreaking developments in Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and Visualization. The GPU, our invention, serves as the visual cortex of modern computers and is at the heart of our products and services.

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 28, 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.