Performance Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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 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.

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.