1

Compiler Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Compiler Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$149.60K - $284.58K/yr

Develop, enhance, test, debug, release, and maintain compiler software for Intel's GPU programming models, including OpenCL, SYCL, OpenMP, and more * Design and integrate intermediate representation ...

Description We are looking for general or deep learning compiler engineers to join our compiler ... Develop the deep learning compiler, infrastructure compiler and the software stack for our ...

Description We are looking for general or deep learning compiler engineers to join our compiler ... Develop the deep learning compiler, infrastructure compiler and the software stack for our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Compiler Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do compiler software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for compiler software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compiler Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compiler Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages (such as C/C++), and compiler theory, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like LLVM, GCC, and debuggers, as well as experience with code optimization and static analysis, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding engineers apart. These skills ensure robust, efficient compiler development and seamless collaboration with development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Compiler Software Engineers when optimizing code for different hardware architectures?

Compiler Software Engineers often encounter challenges when adapting and optimizing code for various hardware architectures, such as balancing performance improvements with maintaining code portability and correctness. Each architecture may have unique instruction sets, memory hierarchies, and parallelization capabilities, requiring careful tuning of compiler optimizations. Additionally, collaboration with hardware engineers and staying updated on evolving processor technologies are essential to ensure efficient code generation. This aspect of the role provides continuous learning opportunities and keeps the work both dynamic and technically rewarding.

What is a Compiler Software Engineer?

A Compiler Software Engineer is a specialized software developer who designs, implements, and maintains compilers. Compilers are programs that translate source code written in one programming language into another, typically from high-level languages like C++ or Python into machine code that a computer can execute. Compiler engineers work on optimizing code performance, ensuring correctness, and supporting new programming language features. They often have strong backgrounds in computer science, algorithms, and systems programming.

What is the difference between Compiler Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectCompiler Software EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, specialized knowledge in compilersBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, compiler development teamsVaried environments including startups, corporations, freelance projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in compiler design, programming language development, systems softwareWeb, mobile, enterprise applications, software solutions

Compiler Software Engineers focus on designing and optimizing compilers and language tools, often working in specialized teams. Software Developers create a wide range of applications across industries. While both roles require programming skills, Compiler Software Engineers have a niche expertise in language translation and optimization, making their work more specialized.

What are the most commonly searched types of Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California? For Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Compiler Software Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 27% Hybrid, and 73% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Compiler Engineer, Compute Front-End - New College Grad 2026

Compiler Engineer, Compute Front-End - New College Grad 2026

NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
NVIDIA is looking for a highly motivated Compiler Software Engineer to join their CUDA Compiler team. The role involves crafting compiler capabilities for high performance parallel applications on NVIDIA's GPUs, focusing on enhancements to the CUDA C++ compiler and ensuring its integration with third-party software.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Design and implement enhancements to the CUDA C++ compiler driver and front-end, ensuring tight integration with industry-leading third-party compiler software.
โ€ข Contribute to the CUDA C++ programming language specification and its evolution factoring in support for new GPU hardware capabilities.
โ€ข Drive language conformance, front-end robustness, and compile-time improvements that benefit a wide range of users, from deep learning researchers to safety-critical software developers.
โ€ข Provide engineering support for the compiler and deliver targeted changes for production customer releases.
โ€ข Establish strong customer/partner relationships and trust through excellent execution and high-quality software development.
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข BS/MS/PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
โ€ข 1+ years of experience in developing production compilers or related software
โ€ข Knowledge of compiler front-end technology
โ€ข Advanced C++ development skills, including experience working with large, modularized codebases.
โ€ข Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills
โ€ข Capability to achieve objectives under tight deadlines
โ€ข Experience executing tasks while managing competing priorities
โ€ข Experience writing and debugging multithreaded programs
โ€ข Deep understanding of technology and passion for what you do with strong teamwork, specifically a proven ability to effectively guide and influence within a dynamic matrix environment
Preferred:
โ€ข Strong track-record in compiler engineering with EDG, LLVM-clang or other industrial strength compiler front-end
โ€ข Prior work on domain-specific front-ends or IRs such as MLIR, including dialect development or integration with custom compilers.
โ€ข CUDA C++ application development experience
โ€ข Strong understanding of parallel programming concepts.
โ€ข Experience working with Programming Language and programming language standards.
Company:
NVIDIA is a computing platform company operating at the intersection of graphics, HPC, and AI. Founded in 1993, the company is headquartered in Santa Clara, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define 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.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993