This role pays more than
95%
of similar roles. Most pay
$193,000–$241,550
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$320k
versus about
$217k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 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
1391 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$184,000–$287,500
across 1116 roles with salary data.
Principal Software Engineer, Vehicle Dynamics Simulation - AV joins the Autonomous Vehicle Simulation team to shape a production vehicle dynamics simulation framework. This individual contributor role involves defining technical vision and architecture for highway, city, parking, and active-safety workflows. The engineer will develop C++ interfaces for high-fidelity multibody models, create scalable parameter identification and validation processes, and translate trajectory commands into time-aligned motion outputs. Key responsibilities include establishing software boundaries, regression metrics, and release gates while mentoring other engineers. Required expertise includes longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics, tire-road interaction, and multi-degree-of-freedom dynamics. The role requires proficiency in C++ for production software and Python for data processing and automation. Candidates should possess deep knowledge of kinematic models and specific tire formulas like Pacejka Magic Formula while navigating complex autonomous vehicle simulation challenges.
What does a Software Engineer earn in California?
Median $214000 from 925 postings across 71 companies.
Define the technical vision, architecture, and roadmap for vehicle dynamics simulation across various driving scenarios.
Develop production-quality C++ interfaces for simplified, replay-based, and high-fidelity multibody models.
Create scalable workflows for model selection, parameter identification, adaptation, and validation across diverse vehicle platforms.
Translate trajectory and control commands into time-aligned motion, state, and diagnostic outputs.
Establish technical standards for model parameters, software boundaries, regression metrics, and release gates.
Calibrate and validate simulation models using measured logs, test-track data, and controlled maneuvers.
Provide hands-on leadership through design, implementation, debugging, testing, and documentation of simulation systems.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
15+ years of relevant industry experience.
Deep knowledge of longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics, tire-road interaction, steering, braking, actuator limits, latency, saturation, kinematic/dynamic bicycle models, multibody simulation, and various tire models.
Strong C++ skills for production software and Python skills for analysis, validation, data processing, tooling, and test automation.
Proven track record of building modular, testable production systems for simulation, CAE, robotics, autonomous vehicles, automotive controls, or physics-based software.
Proven ability to calibrate and validate simulation models using measured logs, test-track data, controlled maneuvers, or simulation benchmarks while maintaining deterministic behavior.
Principal-level technical leadership and clear communication across multidisciplinary engineering and product teams.
Experience with specific simulation frameworks (Project Chrono, CARLA, CarSim, CarMaker, Simulink, Simscape, ADAMS, Simbody, BeamNG, Unreal Engine, PhysX) or high-performance computing tools (preferred).
Python
C++
PyTorch
TensorFlow
JAX
CUDA
ROCm
HIP
Triton
XLA
MLIR
NCCL
Distributed Training
Model Serving
Quantization
Kernel Optimization
Machine Learning
Computer Architecture