Lead Software Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

NVIDIA leads in accelerated computing, AI, and graphics, powering data centers, cloud services, modern consumer devices, and autonomous systems. The Linux for Edge team develops system software for NVIDIA’s latest edge AI platforms. These platforms enable robotics, autonomous machines, industrial automation, smart cities, and more. We seek a Senior System Software Engineer / Platform SW Execution Lead who blends outstanding technical expertise with solid project and program management skills. This role drives SoC and platform bring-up for edge AI products from concept through high-volume deployment.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead SoC and platform bring-up for NVIDIA’s newest edge AI platforms, from early prototypes through production, owning the overall execution plan, achievements, and success criteria.

• Drive the end‑to‑end platform Linux software roadmap for edge devices: define deliverables, prioritize work, coordinate cross‑functional dependencies, and ensure timely execution.

• Build, develop, and debug low-level Linux system software (bootloaders, firmware, BSPs, kernel, device drivers) and reference images tailored for NVIDIA edge AI SoCs and boards.

• Act as the technical program owner for platform SW bring-up. Run regular execution and bring-up reviews. Track issues and risks. Maintain schedules. Provide clear status updates and ways to raise critical issues to collaborators.

• Work closely with hardware, silicon, board build, validation, and factory teams to root‑cause complex hardware/software interaction issues on edge platforms and drive resolution to closure.

• Define and develop factory test and provisioning software, automation, and diagnostic tools to support high‑volume manufacturing and deployment of edge AI systems, enhancing yield and field quality.

• Analyze logs and data from lab, factory, and field (failure modes, performance, reliability) to continuously improve platform stability, robustness, and test strategy for edge use cases.

• Mentor junior engineers, establish guidelines for Linux bring-up, debugging, project tracking, and documentation, and help scale the Linux for Edge team’s ability to deliver results.

What we need to see:

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, plus substantial industry experience in system/embedded software.

• 12+ years of relevant software development experience

• Demonstrated experience managing SoC or complex board/platform bring‑up in a technical lead role, preferably for edge or embedded Linux products, covering multiple hardware revisions or platforms.

• Expert proficiency in Linux system and kernel development: solid C/C++ abilities, background with kernel, device drivers, BSPs, and the entire boot sequence on embedded/edge platforms.

• Deep understanding of CPU and SoC architectures, memory and power subsystems, high‑speed interfaces (PCIe, DDR, etc.), and board‑level build constraints relevant to edge systems.

• Demonstrated expertise in hardware‑aware debugging using JTAG, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, in‑circuit debuggers, and lab instrumentation.

• Experience supporting factory and manufacturing processes such as ATE, system-level tests, and programming or provisioning flows for embedded or edge devices. Resolve test and yield issues through software changes and process improvements.

• Strong scripting skills (Python, shell, etc.) for automation, data analysis, and tooling around bring‑up, test workflows, and edge platform provisioning.

• Exceptional project and program management abilities: experience developing and sustaining execution plans, issue trackers, and dashboards; strong responsibility for schedule, risk management, and cross‑team communication.

• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to bridge technical and program perspectives and present complex topics to both engineering teams and leadership.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Experience with NVIDIA GPUs or SoCs, Jetson or similar edge/embedded AI platforms in production.

• Prior role as a platform software execution lead, technical program manager, or similar position combining deep hands‑on Linux engineering with responsibility for program delivery on edge products.

• Experience in platform validation, reliability testing for high-volume edge or embedded devices.

• Experience with secure boot processes, over-the-air firmware update systems, and factory provisioning/security procedures for edge AI devices.

• Contributions to tools or frameworks for hardware bring‑up, diagnostics, automated test systems, or execution tracking (dashboards, CI/CD) in Linux‑based edge environments.

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 on the planet 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 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 11, 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.