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NVIDIA

Senior System Software Engineer, Automotive Performance

NVIDIA · California, United States

  • Hybrid
  • Full-time
  • $356,500 / year
  • California, United States

Job highlights

  • Optimize system software for automotive platforms using Safe RTOS.
  • Track boot and runtime performance benchmarks with cross-functional teams.
  • Develop AI-assisted automotive profiling tools.
  • Benchmark hypervisor for minimal overhead on ARM systems.
  • Optimize next-gen ADAS/AV stack on Tegra platforms.

About the role

About NVIDIA

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 NVIDIAN, 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.

Join the Team

Join NVIDIA, an established leader in computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for over 25 years. We are embarking on a new era fueled by AI. We are in search of a remarkable Automotive Performance Senior Software Engineer to join our energetic team. You will participate in groundbreaking projects that drive technology and innovation forward. Our team values cooperation, and your work will impact leading performance solutions in the automotive industry.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Play a key role in optimizing system software for Nvidia automotive performance platforms with Safe RTOS.
  • Collaborate closely with Hardware Architecture, DriveOS, Power, and Test teams to track key boot & runtime performance benchmarks.
  • Ensure the software and hardware meet projected targets by closely supervising micro benchmarks and industry-standard benchmarks across IPs.
  • Contribute to developing innovative features in automotive profiling tools with AI assistance.
  • Benchmark the hypervisor and ensure the lowest overhead on ARM systems.
  • Collaborate with the ADAS/AV team in optimizing the next-gen stack from NVIDIA on Tegra platforms.

What We Need To See

  • Master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • A minimum of 12 years of proven experience in systems or software performance.
  • Solid C/C++ programming abilities accompanied by previous experience in the automotive sector.
  • Proficiency in Linux and QNX; Knowledge of Android is advantageous but not mandatory.
  • Solid understanding of Benchmarking, boot time optimization, compiler optimizations and runtime performance improvements.
  • Knowledge of hypervisors, virtualization, and overhead analysis.
  • Experience working with profiling utilities to improve system software efficiency.
  • AI/ML experience is highly desirable.

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 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5, and 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD for Level 6. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Application Information

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until March 21, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy. NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

Commitment to Diversity

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. JR2014678

Key skills/competency

  • System Software Engineering
  • Automotive Performance
  • Safe RTOS
  • Performance Benchmarking
  • C/C++ Programming
  • Linux
  • QNX
  • Hypervisor
  • Virtualization
  • AI/ML

Skills & topics

  • Senior System Software Engineer
  • Automotive Performance
  • System Software
  • Performance Optimization
  • Embedded Systems
  • C++
  • Linux
  • QNX
  • RTOS
  • Hypervisor
  • NVIDIA
  • Tegra
  • ADAS
  • AV

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight your 12+ years of systems/software performance experience, C/C++ skills, and automotive sector background. Emphasize your knowledge of Linux, QNX, benchmarking, and hypervisors.
  • Showcase AI/ML expertise: If you have AI/ML experience, make it prominent on your resume, as it's highly desirable for this Senior System Software Engineer role.
  • Quantify achievements: Use data to demonstrate your impact, especially in areas like boot time optimization, runtime performance improvements, and system software efficiency.
  • Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with profiling utilities, virtualization, and optimizing performance on ARM systems.
  • Understand NVIDIA's culture: Research NVIDIA's commitment to AI, innovation, and its diverse work environment to align your responses with their values.

Technical preparation

Master C/C++ for systems-level programming.,Deep dive into Linux and QNX internals.,Practice hypervisor benchmarking techniques.,Study automotive boot time optimization.

Behavioral questions

Describe a complex performance bottleneck you solved.,How do you collaborate with hardware teams?,Tell me about optimizing software for embedded systems.,How do you approach developing AI features?

Frequently asked questions

What specific automotive performance areas does NVIDIA focus on for this Senior System Software Engineer role?
This Senior System Software Engineer role at NVIDIA focuses on optimizing system software for automotive performance platforms, specifically involving Safe RTOS. Key areas include tracking boot and runtime performance benchmarks, developing AI-assisted profiling tools, benchmarking hypervisors for minimal overhead on ARM systems, and optimizing the ADAS/AV stack on Tegra platforms.
What programming languages and operating systems are essential for the Senior System Software Engineer position at NVIDIA?
For the Senior System Software Engineer position at NVIDIA, solid C/C++ programming abilities are essential. Proficiency in Linux and QNX is also required. While knowledge of Android is advantageous, it's not mandatory. Experience with Safe RTOS is also a key requirement for this role.
How does NVIDIA incorporate AI into its recruitment process for the Senior System Software Engineer role?
NVIDIA utilizes AI tools within its recruiting processes. This means that your application and resume might be analyzed by AI to identify candidates who best match the requirements for the Senior System Software Engineer role, especially concerning AI/ML experience which is highly desirable.
What level of experience is expected for the Senior System Software Engineer at NVIDIA, and how is salary determined?
NVIDIA expects a minimum of 12 years of proven experience in systems or software performance for this Senior System Software Engineer role. The base salary ranges from $224,000 - $356,500 USD for Level 5 and $272,000 - $431,250 USD for Level 6, with the final determination based on location, experience, and peer compensation.
Are there specific performance optimization techniques that a Senior System Software Engineer candidate should be familiar with for NVIDIA?
Yes, a Senior System Software Engineer candidate for NVIDIA should have a solid understanding of benchmarking, boot time optimization, compiler optimizations, and runtime performance improvements. Familiarity with hypervisors, virtualization, overhead analysis, and profiling utilities to enhance system software efficiency is also crucial.