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Nvidia Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Principal Systems Software Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Principal Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. GPU accelerated data processing has moved from proof of concept to production deployments.

Senior System Software Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. Over the ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

Involves direct interaction with NVIDIA personnel as well as HPC experts in academia and US national labs. * Collaborate closely with Quantum Software, Physics, Electrical, and Systems Engineering to ...

Involves direct interaction with NVIDIA personnel as well as HPC experts in academia and US national labs. * Collaborate closely with Quantum Software, Physics, Electrical, and Systems Engineering to ...

Embedded AI Architect

Peoria, IL · On-site

$169K/yr

We are looking for a senior embedded AI architect with hands-on experience on NVIDIA edge computing ... Experience working within cost-driven, requirements-based engineering organizations * Ability to ...

Developer On-Ramp: Architecting the GTM strategy for our AI Developer Bundles (AppCO/SLES Desktop/NVIDIA SDK) to win mindshare at the workstation level. Accountabilities (Aligned to SUSE Level 05)

Developer On-Ramp: Architecting the GTM strategy for our AI Developer Bundles (AppCO/SLES Desktop/NVIDIA SDK) to win mindshare at the workstation level. Accountabilities (Aligned to SUSE Level 05)

Sr. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$58.75 - $78/hr

... and optimize NVIDIA GPU operators, device plugins, and other custom scheduling logic for GPU ... engineering roles with proven experience operating production infrastructure at scale. • Deep ...

Engineering Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're ... Experience with NVidia processors (Debugging, Optimizing, Profiling, I/O) * Experience in ...

Senior Platform Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$107K - $147K/yr

Department BSD CTD - Platform Engineering - PlanX About the Department The Center for Translational ... Experience provisioning and managing GPU-enabled infrastructure (NVIDIA GPUs, CUDA, multi-GPU ...

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Nvidia Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$45.1K

$142.3K

$168.6K

How much do nvidia engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for nvidia engineering in Illinois is $142,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,900.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Nvidia Engineering position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Nvidia Engineering, candidates typically need strong proficiency in computer engineering, software development, and a solid understanding of hardware architecture, often backed by a relevant degree such as Electrical Engineering or Computer Science. Familiarity with tools like CUDA, C/C++, Python, and version control systems, as well as experience with GPU programming, are highly valued, and certifications such as Nvidia's Deep Learning Institute credentials can enhance a candidate's profile. Excellent problem-solving, team collaboration, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications enable engineers to contribute effectively to complex, innovative projects that drive Nvidia's technological advancements.

What is an Nvidia Engineering job?

An Nvidia Engineering job involves designing, developing, and optimizing hardware or software solutions in areas such as graphics processing, AI, and high-performance computing. Engineers at Nvidia work on cutting-edge technologies, including GPUs, deep learning frameworks, and system architecture. Roles vary from hardware design and verification to software development and AI research, depending on expertise. Strong skills in programming, computer architecture, and problem-solving are typically required.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, hardware engineering, or systems architecture at leading technology companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities or working on high-impact projects.

Is it hard to get hired at NVIDIA?

Getting hired as an engineer at NVIDIA can be competitive due to the company's reputation and high standards. Candidates typically need strong technical skills, relevant experience, and a solid understanding of areas like GPU architecture, software development, or AI. The hiring process often involves multiple interviews and technical assessments.

What types of projects do Nvidia Engineers typically work on, and how is teamwork structured within the engineering department?

Nvidia Engineers commonly engage in projects related to GPU development, AI and deep learning solutions, software driver optimization, and next-generation hardware innovation. Project teams are often multidisciplinary, bringing together software, hardware, and systems engineers to collaborate closely on end-to-end product development. Engineers frequently work in agile, fast-paced environments, attend regular team stand-ups, and participate in cross-functional meetings. This collaborative structure fosters creativity, accelerates problem-solving, and ensures high-quality product delivery while offering team members exposure to diverse technologies and career growth opportunities.

How much do NVIDIA engineers get paid?

NVIDIA engineers' salaries vary based on experience, role, and location, but the average annual salary for software engineers at NVIDIA typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000. Senior engineers and those with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and stock options. The company also values technical expertise in areas like GPU architecture, AI, and deep learning.

How much do NVIDIA application engineers make?

NVIDIA application engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level. Salaries can increase with specialized skills in GPU programming, deep learning, and related tools, and may include bonuses and benefits. Entry-level positions generally start lower, while senior roles can exceed this range.
What are the most commonly searched types of Nvidia Engineering jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Nvidia Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Nvidia Engineering jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Nvidia Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Nvidia Engineering job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,319 per year, or $68.4 per hour.
Principal Systems Software Engineer

Principal Systems Software Engineer

Nvidia

Champaign, IL • On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Principal Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. GPU accelerated data processing has moved from proof of concept to production deployments. Enterprises now recognize the need for accelerated computing to handle large data processing needs. Multi-node GPU deployments will reduce cloud computing costs and lower latency batch ETL workloads.

At NVIDIA, we have been invested in accelerating Apache Spark, providing an open source plugin for Apache Spark. Apache Spark is the most popular data processing engine in data centers. We strive to accelerate Spark applications on GPUs without any code changes. Our OSS RAPIDS Spark library is integrated with on-premise and cloud services such as AWS EMR, Databricks, Google Dataproc, Oracle Cloud Data Flow, Bytedance Volcengine, Tencent Cloud and Cloudera. We are passionate about working on hard problems that have an impact. You will need to have strong programming skills, a deep understanding of software development related. You will work with a team that is using open source libraries like cuDF to accelerate reading, writing and batch data operations in Spark.

What you'll be doing:

  • Develop Java, Scala and CUDA/C++ libraries to accelerate DataFrames and I/O operations on common file formats such as Parquet, ORC and JSON

  • Enable interoperability with table formats such as Apache Iceberg and Delta Lake, and metastores such as Unity Catalog

  • Work with open source communities to enhance libraries like NVIDIA cuDF, CCCL and UCX through technical discussion and code contributions

  • Collaborate with distributed systems teams to craft solutions to distributed processing problems challenges at large scale

  • Provide recommendations and feedback to teams regarding decisions surrounding topics such as infrastructure, continuous integration and testing strategy

  • Build, test and optimize CUDA/C++ libraries across different platforms

What we need to see:

  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or closely related field (or equivalent experience)

  • 15+ years of work experience in software development

  • Outstanding technical skills in designing and implementing high-quality distributed systems

  • Excellent programming skills in C++, Java, and/or Scala

  • Ability to work with teams across organizational boundaries and geographies

  • Familiarity with the open source data platform ecosystem (Apache Spark, Velox, Presto, Apache Arrow, Apache DataFusion, etc.). Meaningful contributions to the OSS community a plus.

  • Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills

  • Database query optimization is a strong plus

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 19, 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.#deeplearning

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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