1

Performance Driver Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

As a performance software engineer within the Software Core Performance team, you will instrument ... Kernel and/or driver development experience > * Experience with software & hardware benchmarking ...

As a performance software engineer within the Software Core Performance team, you will instrument ... Kernel and/or driver development experience * Experience with software & hardware benchmarking and ...

System Software Engineer - Performance

Redmond, WA · On-site

$156.80K/yr

Strong understanding of multicore hardware, operating systems design, concurrency, virtual memory, caching, interrupts, device drivers and real-time programming. * Experience in performance analysis ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Performance Driver information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$45.5K

$113.3K

$174.7K

How much do performance driver jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for performance driver in Seattle, WA is $113,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $143,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Performance Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Performance Driver, you need advanced driving skills, in-depth knowledge of vehicle dynamics, and often a valid professional racing or high-performance driving license. Familiarity with telemetry systems, data analysis tools, and industry-standard safety equipment is crucial. Exceptional focus, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills help drivers adapt to rapidly changing conditions and work effectively with teams. These abilities are essential for achieving peak vehicle performance, ensuring safety, and succeeding in competitive or testing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Performance Drivers, and how can they be overcome?

Performance Drivers often face challenges such as adapting to different vehicles, managing high-pressure situations during competitions or testing, and maintaining peak physical and mental condition. To overcome these challenges, drivers typically undergo rigorous training to familiarize themselves with various car dynamics, work closely with technical teams to fine-tune vehicle performance, and follow strict fitness and nutrition regimens. Effective communication with engineers and consistent practice are key to success in this dynamic and demanding role.

What are performance drivers?

Performance drivers, also known as professional race car drivers or stunt drivers, are individuals who operate vehicles at high speeds or in demanding conditions for competitive racing, testing, or entertainment purposes. Their main role is to push vehicles to their limits, often in motorsport events, automotive testing, or for film and television productions. They require advanced driving skills, quick reflexes, and a deep understanding of vehicle mechanics and dynamics. Performance drivers often work with teams to optimize vehicle performance and ensure safety during high-speed maneuvers.

What is the difference between Performance Driver vs Sales Associate?

AspectPerformance DriverSales Associate
Required CredentialsRelevant certifications or experience in sales or marketingHigh school diploma or equivalent, sales training
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, client sites, or retail settingsRetail stores, showrooms, or direct customer interactions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in marketing, sales, and business development sectorsCommon in retail, hospitality, and customer service industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles focused on driving performance metricsLooking for entry-level sales roles or retail positions

Performance Drivers focus on developing strategies to improve business outcomes and often require marketing or sales experience. Sales Associates primarily engage in direct customer sales and service. While both roles involve sales skills, Performance Drivers are more strategic, whereas Sales Associates are more customer-facing and transactional.

What are popular job titles related to Performance Driver jobs in Seattle, WA? For Performance Driver jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Performance Driver jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Performance Driver jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Performance Driver job openings in Seattle, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,265 per year, or $54.5 per hour.
Senior System Software Engineer, Vulkan Performance

Senior System Software Engineer, Vulkan Performance

Nvidia

Seattle, WA

$139.40K - $183.80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

As a Vulkan Performance driver engineer, you will have a hand in everything from the game engine down to bare metal! You will be part of a team whose mission it is to achieve the best possible performance, power-efficiency, and latency for the latest games and creative applications. You'll work with some of the brightest minds in the field of computer graphics and high-performance processor design.

What you will be doing:

  • Diagnosing GPU and CPU performance bottlenecks in Vulkan and Proton titles.

  • Identifying changes to API usage to improve performance and communicating via appropriate channels with third-party developers.

  • Implementing driver performance improvements and resolving driver defects.

  • Collaborating with engineers on the team and across NVIDIA.

  • Developing a driver that leads the industry in quality and performance.

What we need to see:

  • Hold a B.S. or higher degree in Computer Science/Engineering or similar field or equivalent experience

  • 5+ years of experience (or equivalent) in graphics software, system programming, or related field.

  • An understanding of graphics fundamentals, experience with operating systems and a solid understanding of computer architecture is required

  • Comfortable with Vulkan, OpenGL or DirectX

  • Strong programming skills in C and C++, familiarity with assembly code

  • Experience in developing highly optimized code

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Strong interest and background in 3D graphics

  • Working experience inside operating system kernels and device drivers

  • Ability to think creatively to debug and solve complex, hard to reproduce problems

  • A strong standout colleague; self-motivated with strong interpersonal skills

  • Ability and flexibility to work and communicate effectively in a multinational, multi-time zone corporate environment

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and talented people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our elite 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 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3, and 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until February 7, 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.

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