1

Compiler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Compiler Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$128K - $181K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Compiler Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, testing, debugging, and maintaining Intel's industry-leading LLVM-based compiler stack, including C, C++, SYCL, and ...

Compiler Optimization Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

About the Role We're looking for a Graph Optimization Compiler Engineer to own the middle tier of our AI compiler stack - the layer where high-level model graphs are transformed, simplified, and made ...

Senior Compiler Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

  • Retirement

The Compiler Engineer will contribute to the design and implementation of an embedded machine learning (ML) system stack and TinyML applications to run on the world's most energy-efficient ...

Compiler Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $300K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain compiler toolchains that translate machine learning models from industry-standard frameworks into optimized workloads for TetraMem's analog in-memory computing hardware.

Design and build the compiler that converts AI models from popular ML frameworks into assembly code that runs on our accelerator hardware. * Develop and implement novel scheduling algorithms that ...

Senior Compiler Engineer - AI

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We are seeking an AI Compiler Engineer with deep expertise in compiler technologies to join our team. The ideal candidate brings broad experience across machine learning, including reinforcement ...

Compiler Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$128K - $181K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Compiler Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, testing, debugging, and maintaining Intel's industry-leading LLVM-based compiler stack, including C, C++, SYCL, and ...

We are seeking for an expert Senior Compiler Engineer to join our Compute Compiler Team, with a focus on upstream engagement with the LLVM ecosystem and advancing NVIDIA's compiler technology through ...

Design, implement and optimise compiler infrastructure, intermediate representations, optimisation passes and code generation. * Maintain and evolve our bespoke Python DSL used by researchers to ...

Design and build the compiler that converts AI models from popular ML frameworks into assembly code that runs on our accelerator hardware. * Develop and implement novel scheduling algorithms that ...

Senior Fortran Compiler Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

NVIDIA's HPC compiler group is seeking a Fortran compiler developer to contribute to the development of a high-performance optimizing compiler. The role involves solving complex problems at the ...

In this role, you will design, develop, optimize, and maintain compiler components, parallel runtimes, and developer-facing features that significantly improve the programming experience for ...

Senior Compiler Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160 - $210/hr

  • Retirement

The Compiler Engineer will contribute to the design and implementation of an embedded machine learning (ML) system stack and TinyML applications to run on the world's most energy-efficient ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Compiler information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$35

How much do compiler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for compiler in California is $20.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compiler?

A compiler is a specialized computer program that translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code or another lower-level language that a computer can execute. This process allows developers to write code in languages like C++, Java, or Python, which are easier for humans to understand, and then have it converted into instructions that hardware can process. Compilers perform various tasks such as syntax analysis, optimization, and code generation to ensure the resulting program runs efficiently and correctly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a compiler?

To thrive as a Compiler Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages, and compiler theory, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like LLVM, GCC, and experience with languages such as C/C++ or Rust are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this field. These skills ensure the development of efficient, reliable compilers that support robust software and systems development.

What are the common challenges faced when working as a compiler engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Compiler Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing code for performance, ensuring compatibility across various hardware architectures, and maintaining the correctness of complex transformations. Debugging and diagnosing issues in the compilation process can be particularly intricate, requiring a strong understanding of both source and target languages. Collaborating closely with language designers and hardware engineers, as well as utilizing automated testing and profiling tools, helps address these challenges and results in more robust and efficient compilers.

What is the difference between Compiler vs Interpreter?

AspectCompilerInterpreter
FunctionTranslates entire code into machine language before executionTranslates code line-by-line during execution
SpeedFaster execution after compilationSlower due to real-time translation
UsageUsed in languages like C, C++Used in languages like Python, JavaScript
ErrorsErrors are found after compilationErrors are detected during execution
OutputProduces standalone executable filesRuns directly from source code

In summary, a compiler translates the entire program into machine code before execution, resulting in faster runtime and standalone files. An interpreter translates code line-by-line during execution, which can be slower but allows for easier debugging and dynamic execution. Both are essential in different programming environments depending on performance and development needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Compiler jobs in California?

The most popular types of Compiler jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Compiler jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Compiler jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Compiler jobs?

Cities in California with the most Compiler job openings:

Infographic showing various Compiler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,720 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Manager, Compiler Engineering

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA's invention of the GPU sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. Our GPUs are being used in many of the largest high performance computing projects around the world, solving real world problems. Our products are used to build and parallelize the most meaningful scientific applications in the world for weather modeling, climatology, fluid dynamics and defense. We support real science and scientists throughout the world.

We are now looking for a Compiler Engineering Manager! NVIDIA's HPC Compiler team is looking to hire a Compiler Engineering Manager to join the team building one of the world's most important optimizing compiler products. Your work will support development of compilers for high-performance computing and drive the underlying technology that powers GPU code generation for Python, C++, Fortran, OpenACC and OpenMP. Do you love the inherent challenges of complex software projects and driving systemic improvements in compiler performance and development methodologies? Are you self-motivated and a comfortable in a fast-paced team? Being a compiler engineering manager requires both traditional software management skills and a dedication to the success of our end users. We are looking for a manager to lead teams working on compiling Python, C++, and Fortran HPC applications, measuring performance, and charting the journey to speed-of-light execution. If you want to drive innovative compiler development in high-performance computing, then we want you!

What you'll be doing:

  • Managing a team of experienced compiler and performance engineers

  • Establish team objectives to meet schedules and goals.

  • Act as a mentor and advisor to grow our next generation of leaders.

  • Establish and evolve policies and procedures that affect the immediate organization.

  • Communicate with senior management for team vision and development.

What we need to see:

  • Degree in Computer Science, ECE or equivalent experience; (Ph.D. or Masters preferred)

  • A software engineer with 10+ overall years of experience with at least 4+ years of hands-on management

  • Strong software design fundamentals and a deep understanding of compilers and programming languages

  • Knowledge of software engineering principles

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Contributing to LLVM or other open source projects

  • Familiarity with GPU code generation, OpenMP, and OpenACC standards

  • Knowledge of compiler internals from front end to run-time environment

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.

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.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until March 26, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse 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.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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