Six Figure Work

Senior System Software Engineer, Automotive Performance

NVIDIA

Company websitenvidia.com (NVIDIA, opens in new tab)

Base salary $224,000  to $431,250

Employer-published annual base salary, USD. Advertised base range in Santa Clara, CA

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  • LocationSanta Clara, CA
  • WorkplaceWorkplace not stated
  • Status at last checkSource accepting applications when checked
  • Last checked (1 h ago) · observed since

About this job

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a distinctive heritage of innovation fueled by outstanding technology—and remarkable people. Today, we’re harnessing the boundless possibilities of AI to build 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 engage in a varied, nurturing atmosphere where all individuals are driven to deliver their finest work. Join our team and discover how you can build a meaningful impact on the world.

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.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/ 

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and other objective job-related factors. The expected base salary ranges for this position are:
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.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until November 3, 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.

Source: NVIDIA on Workday · View original posting (opens in new tab)

Pay in context

This role's base floor ($224,000) is above 82% of the 4,313 Software Engineering roles in California listed on this site; 73 others list the same floor. Their median floor is $176,100; the middle half runs from $149,100 to $203,000.

Only jobs on this site count, and each one publishes a base salary of $100,000 or more, so this compares six-figure jobs with each other, not with the whole market. Computed Nov 6, 2026.

This range next to 6 other live NVIDIA roles with the nearest advertised base floor
Chart as a table
This range next to 6 other live NVIDIA roles with the nearest advertised base floor
RolePublished base
Senior System Software Engineer, Automotive Performance (this listing)$224,000 - $431,250
Senior Full-Stack Lead Engineer$224,000 - $356,500
Senior Developer Relations Manager, Data Platforms$224,000 - $431,250
Senior Developer Relations Lead, AI-Enabled Drug Discovery Science$224,000 - $431,250
Manager, Solutions Architecture - AI Infrastructure Build Readiness$224,000 - $356,500
Senior Research Engineer - AI Coding Tools$224,000 - $431,250
Senior Retail Developer Relations Manager, Digital Commerce$224,000 - $431,250

Same $100K to $400K scale as every card. All NVIDIA roles · How to read the bar

Observed changes

  1. First observed on the employer's board
  2. Began meeting the published-salary criteria
Observed since
Employer-stated posting date
2026-10-30
Where this pay comes from

Location as the employer wrote it: US, CA, Santa Clara • US, Remote (Levels 5-6 combined)

224,000 USD – 356,500 USD for Level 5; and 272,000 USD – 431,250 USD for Level 6.

Method
Employer text, read with fixed rules and re-verified
Checked
Rule set
us-base-v2

The pay passage appears in the employer's own job text. Fixed, deterministic rules located it, and the passage below was checked against the stored copy of the posting.

What we verified

  • The pay figures come from the employer's own listing, quoted exactly above.
  • The pay is an annual base salary in US dollars with a minimum of at least $100,000.
  • The role was publicly listed on the employer's job board when last checked.

We do not verify what the employer will actually offer, whether the employer is still recruiting for the role, or anything beyond what the employer published. Full methodology.