
Senior Software Engineer, CUDA Deep Learning Systems
NVIDIA · Texas, United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $255,750 / year
- Texas, United States
Job highlights
- Develop and prototype advanced AI systems using CUDA.
- Optimize distributed computing for large-scale AI.
- Design high-performance CUDA kernels for AI.
- Analyze hardware-software interactions for performance.
- Collaborate with research and engineering teams.
About the role
Senior Software Engineer, CUDA Deep Learning Systems
NVIDIA is seeking an experienced and highly motivated software professional to work on pioneering initiatives and projects at the intersection of CUDA and Deep Learning Systems. As artificial intelligence continues to grow in complexity and scale, the integration of advanced deep learning architectures, massive-scale distributed computing, and low-level hardware optimization is critical. Our team is dedicated to exploring and prototyping next-generation ideas that bridge the gap between deep learning algorithms and CUDA, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on modern accelerator architectures.
Join our dynamic, research-oriented team to help unlock maximum hardware performance for emerging AI workloads. You will be a crucial member of a highly technical group exploring uncharted territories in model optimization, custom kernel development, and cluster-scale AI systems design. If you are passionate about the fundamentals of deep learning and thrive on squeezing every ounce of performance out of advanced computing systems, from a single GPU to supercomputer clusters, we want you on our team!
What You Will Be Doing
- Explore, research, and prototype novel systems optimizations for advanced deep learning models at the intersection of high-level DL frameworks and low-level CUDA through modeling, simulation, and silicon prototyping.
- Architect and optimize distributed computing systems that scale seamlessly from a single node to massive, cluster-scale supercomputing environments.
- Design, implement, and optimize custom high-performance CUDA kernels tailored to emerging neural network architectures and workloads.
- Analyze complex hardware-software interactions to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks in both training and inference pipelines.
- Collaborate closely with AI researchers, HW and SW architects, kernel and compiler authors, and CUDA driver experts to co-design systems and algorithms that improve accelerator compute utilization, memory bandwidth, cross-node network communication efficiency, and programmability.
- Develop exploratory tools and runtime systems to profile and accelerate new paradigms in deep learning.
- Write clean, effective, and maintainable code, ensuring exploratory prototypes can smoothly transition into open-source releases, upstream framework integrations, internal tools, or closed-source commercial products.
What We Need To See
- BS, MS, or PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 8+ years of relevant industry experience or equivalent academic experience after degree achievement.
- Strong proficiency in C++ and Python programming.
- Solid background in the fundamentals of Deep Learning with a focus on transformers.
- Strong understanding of distributed computing principles, multi-node scaling, and the unique performance challenges of cluster-scale execution.
- Proven experience in systems programming, computer architecture, and low-level systems performance optimization.
- Familiarity with deep learning accelerator architectures such as the GPU and hands-on experience with CUDA programming and kernel optimization.
- A strong analytical approach with experience using profiling tools to deeply understand software performance on hardware.
- Experience profiling and optimizing innovative vision models, generative AI architectures, or diffusion models.
- Background in deep learning compilers, both graph-level and codegen (e.g., Triton, XLA, torch compile).
Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd
- Deep expertise in the performance internals and execution graphs of major deep learning autograd, training, and inference frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX, TensorRT, vLLM, sgLang, Nemo, Megatron, MaxText, etc.).
- Hands-on experience with CUDA, communication libraries (e.g., NCCL, MPI, UCX) and distributed machine learning techniques (e.g., pipeline parallelism, tensor parallelism).
- Knowledge of numerical methods, low-precision arithmetic (e.g., NVFP4, MXFP4, FP8, INT8), and their implications on deep learning model accuracy and performance.
- Familiarity with systems requirements for Reinforcement Learning (RL) or highly parallel simulation environments and/or research background in machine learning systems or adjacent fields.
- Experience with machine learning, especially agentic systems, applied to systems problems.
Compensation and Benefits
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.
Application Details
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 18, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
About NVIDIA's Recruiting Process
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
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.
Key skills/competency:- CUDA
- Deep Learning
- Systems Optimization
- C++
- Python
- Distributed Computing
- Kernel Optimization
- Computer Architecture
- Performance Analysis
- GPU Programming
Skills & topics
- Software Engineer
- CUDA
- Deep Learning
- Systems Optimization
- C++
- Python
- Distributed Computing
- Kernel Optimization
- GPU Programming
- AI
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your C++, Python, CUDA, and deep learning experience, emphasizing systems programming and performance optimization.
- Showcase your portfolio: Include links to relevant projects, open-source contributions, or research papers demonstrating your skills in deep learning systems.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss CUDA programming, distributed systems, deep learning fundamentals, and performance analysis techniques.
- Understand NVIDIA's focus: Research NVIDIA's latest advancements in AI, GPUs, and deep learning to align your application with their current initiatives.
- Network and connect: Engage with NVIDIA employees on professional platforms to gain insights into the company culture and specific team needs.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the typical career progression for a Senior Software Engineer at NVIDIA?
- At NVIDIA, a Senior Software Engineer in CUDA Deep Learning Systems often progresses to Staff or Principal Engineer roles, focusing on more complex technical challenges and mentorship. Advancement also includes opportunities to lead projects or specialized technical areas within the team.
- What programming languages are essential for the Senior Software Engineer role at NVIDIA?
- Proficiency in C++ and Python is essential for this Senior Software Engineer role. Experience with CUDA programming is also critical, as it is a core technology for deep learning systems at NVIDIA.
- How does NVIDIA approach work-life balance for its engineering teams?
- NVIDIA encourages a results-oriented work environment. While demanding, the company strives to support work-life balance through flexible arrangements and a focus on impactful contributions, though specific team dynamics can vary.
- What kind of projects can I expect to work on as a Senior Software Engineer at NVIDIA?
- As a Senior Software Engineer, you will work on cutting-edge projects involving the optimization of deep learning models, development of high-performance CUDA kernels, and the architecture of large-scale distributed AI systems, pushing the boundaries of AI performance.
- How is performance evaluated for the Senior Software Engineer, CUDA Deep Learning Systems position at NVIDIA?
- Performance is evaluated based on your ability to deliver innovative solutions, optimize complex systems, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the advancement of deep learning technologies and CUDA performance.
- What is NVIDIA's policy on remote work for this Senior Software Engineer role?
- While NVIDIA utilizes AI for recruiting, specific work arrangements like remote, hybrid, or on-site are determined per role and team needs. Based on the description emphasizing collaboration and hardware interaction, a hybrid or on-site presence is likely expected, though this should be confirmed during the application process.
- Does NVIDIA offer opportunities for professional development for Senior Software Engineers?
- Yes, NVIDIA is known for investing in its employees' professional development through internal training, access to cutting-edge research, conferences, and opportunities to work on industry-leading technologies in AI and GPU computing.