Principal CPU Software Architect

Nvidia

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Santa Clara, CAAustin, TXDurham, NCBoulder, CORedmond, WA
Salary
$272,000–$431,250 / yr
Posted
4 days ago

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $211k
This role $352k
$135k most similar roles pay here $463k

This role pays more than 99% of similar roles. Most pay $175,725–$247,200 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $352k versus about $211k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 similar postings.

Employer

About Nvidia

Nvidia is a leading designer of graphics processing units (GPUs) and system-on-chip units, powering gaming, professional visualization, data centers, and artificial intelligence workloads. Industry: Semiconductors & AI Computing

Nvidia currently has 980 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $168,000–$270,250 across 966 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at Nvidia

At a glance

TL;DR · Principal CPU Software Architect

Join NVIDIA as a CPU System Software Architect and contribute to the next generation of CPUs and SoCs at the forefront of accelerating agentic AI and high-performance computing. This senior-level role involves collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams including hardware engineers, software developers, and ASIC designers to maximize the potential of NVIDIA’s advanced SoC products. You will drive architectural decisions by leveraging your deep understanding of OS/driver software stacks like Linux and C programming, while also providing guidance for optimized solutions across various engineering organizations. Key responsibilities include customizing solutions for partners and researching industry trends to advise senior management. Ideal candidates possess a MS or PhD in computer or electrical engineering with over 15 years of experience in CPU and SoC architecture, along with expertise in processor architectures like ARM, RISC-V, and x86, virtualization technologies, and Linux open source contributions.

What you'll do

  • Drive hardware architecture decisions by applying expertise in software architecture and system software technologies.
  • Provide strategic direction to engineering teams on optimizing solutions for various software challenges.
  • Collaborate with industry partners to tailor SoC products to meet specific customer requirements.
  • Conduct research on future industry trends to inform senior management about potential engagement opportunities.
  • Work closely with hardware and software engineers to develop next-generation CPUs and SoCs.

What we're looking for

  • Over 15 years of experience in CPU and SoC software and architecture.
  • Deep knowledge of OS/driver software stacks (Linux) and strong C development skills.
  • Excellent communication to simplify complex problems and drive multi-functional teams.
  • Strong understanding of processor architectures including ARM, RISC-V, x86.
  • Experience with virtualization technologies and familiarity with CPU security architecture.

More like this

Similar roles

CPU Software Architecture Staff Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA 14 days ago $134,800$202,200
C C++ ARM RISC-V RTOS J-TAG ICE Linux Kernel Driver Development Embedded Systems Multi-core CPUs Memory Consistency Coherency Virtualization Security Super Scalar Architectures Heterogeneous Compute Platforms SPI I2C PCIE CAN Ethernet USB UFS Clocks PLLs GPIO Interrupt Controllers GIC PLIC

CPU Software Architecture Sr. Staff Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA 124 days ago $162,600$244,000
C C++ ARM RISC-V RTOS J-TAG ICE SPI I2C PCIe CAN Ethernet USB UFS GIC PLIC Linux_kernel Firmware_development Driver_development Multi-core_CPUs Memory_consistency Messaging_systems Virtualization Security Super_Scalar_Architectures

Senior CPU Performance Architect

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA +2 69 days ago $224,000$356,500
Python C++ ARM PyTorch Linux Benchmarking PerformanceAnalysis MultiCoreSystems CPUMicroarchitecture GPUDrivers AIFrameworks HPC CloudServices AutonomousVehicles DeepLearning CPUArchitecture SimulationTools

Senior CPU Performance Architect

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA +2 13 days ago $184,000$287,500
Python C++ ARM PyTorch Linux Benchmarking PerformanceAnalysis MultiCoreSystems CPUMicroarchitecture GPUDrivers CUDA AIFrameworks HPC CloudServices AutonomousVehicles DeepLearning VirtualReality Gaming