AI Research Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

We are now looking for a Senior Research Scientist!

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to drive groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI, GPU computing, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA). AI and GPU acceleration are transforming the future of chip design, and this role offers the opportunity to shape that future.

What you'll be doing:

• Define and conduct original research across EDA algorithms, VLSI design methodology, and advanced machine learning techniques.
• Innovate in EDA software and algorithms, with applications spanning supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, as well as GPU-accelerated optimization methods.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with circuit design, VLSI, and architecture teams, ensuring research translates into real-world product impact.
• Engage with the global research community by publishing in premier conferences, presenting at leading venues, and driving thought leadership.
Foster collaboration with external researchers and diverse internal product teams to amplify research outcomes.

What we need to see:

• Research Excellence: PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience), with 2+ years of post-PhD research experience and a strong record of impactful publications in top EDA and AI/ML venues; proven ability to set research direction and translate ideas into tools or products.
• Domain & Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge in EDA/VLSI (e.g., synthesis, formal verification, timing, reliability, or physical design algorithms) combined with 5+ years applying AI techniques (supervised, unsupervised, RL) and GPU/accelerator-based computing to large-scale problems.
• Programming & Systems Skills: 5+ years of experience in software development; strong expertise in high-performance computing, parallelism, optimization, and large-scale software engineering.
• Leadership & Collaboration: experience in leading research projects or teams, with a track record of mentoring junior scientists, driving cross-functional initiatives with circuits/VLSI/architecture groups, and fostering collaborations with academia or industry.
Communication & Impact: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience presenting at top conferences; track record of releasing high-impact open-source tools, datasets, or frameworks; ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA has some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world inventing the future for us. Are you a creative and collaborative researcher interested in seeking new challenges? If so, we want to hear from you!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 192,000 USD - 304,750 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until November 2, 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.