ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tools Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTools Engineer JobsTools Engineer Jobs in California

Tools Engineer information

See California salary details

$53.3K

$108.5K

$161.4K

How much do tools engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for tools engineer in California is $108,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a tools engineer do?

A Tools Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software tools that improve workflow efficiency for engineers, designers, and developers. They create automation scripts, internal utilities, and custom applications to streamline development processes. Their role often involves working with game engines, build systems, CI/CD pipelines, or proprietary tools tailored to a company's needs. Strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration with other teams are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Tools Engineer, you need strong programming abilities, problem-solving skills, and a background in computer science or related technical fields. Experience with scripting languages (such as Python or Bash), source control systems, and build automation tools is often required, and certifications in relevant technologies can be beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability help tools engineers collaborate efficiently and respond to evolving project needs. These skills are essential for designing and maintaining robust tools that streamline workflows and improve productivity for development teams.

What are popular job titles related to Tools Engineer jobs in California?

For Tools Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Tools Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Tools Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Tools Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Tools Engineer jobs in CA?

For Tools Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Tools Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tools Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,547 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

The Graphics Developer Tools team is seeking an exceptional technical leader to help shape the future of graphics development. This role spans multiple areas of NVIDIA's graphics software ecosystem, driving innovation across developer tools, graphics technologies, and next-generation development workflows. You will create and lead new strategic initiatives, partnering closely with NVIDIA Research, GPU Architecture, Driver, SDK, and Developer Technology teams to evaluate emerging technologies, prototype new ideas, and deliver solutions that improve how developers build, debug, profile, and optimize graphics applications. This is a hands-on technical leadership role emphasizing vision, execution, influence, and collaboration. Success in this role comes from technical excellence and the ability to align teams around ambitious ideas.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Define and implement the technical vision and strategy for next-generation developer tools, workflows, and technologies that improve developer productivity.
  • Design and prototype new tools that can evolve into production-ready software.
  • Collaborate with GPU architects, driver engineers, SDK teams, and graphics developers to understand future needs and influence product direction.
  • Drive technical initiatives across multiple organizations through collaboration and technical leadership.
  • Mentor engineers and help establish engineering excellence within the larger Developer Tools organization.
  • Engage with external developers, game studios, engine teams, and strategic partners to understand real-world workflows and pain points.
  • Represent NVIDIA at industry events, technical conferences, and developer engagements.
  • Influence the evolution of graphics development as AI increasingly transforms how software is built, optimized, and maintained.

What We Need To See:
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 15+ years of experience developing graphics software, developer tools, game engines, GPU technologies, or related systems.
  • Deep understanding of modern graphics APIs including DirectX, Vulkan, or Metal.
  • Strong C++ software engineering skills and experience building large-scale software systems.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership driving complex projects across multiple teams.
  • Experience designing software architectures and influencing technical direction beyond a single codebase.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, research, product, and external developer communities.
  • Proven ability to thrive in ambiguous environments and transform ideas into shipped products.

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd:
  • Expertise in GPU architecture, memory systems, performance analysis, or graphics debugging.
  • Experience with ray tracing technologies, neural rendering, or advanced rendering techniques using Vulkan or D3D12.
  • Experience developing profilers, debuggers, validation tools, or SDKs.
  • Experience applying machine learning or generative AI techniques to software development workflows.
  • Contributions to game engines, graphics middleware, graphics SDKs, or open-source graphics projects.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers with some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working here. If you're highly technical and enthusiastic about 3D Graphics, we want to hear from you! For two decades, we have pioneered visual computing, the art and science of computer graphics. With our invention of the GPU - the engine of modern visual computing - the field has expanded to encompass video games, movie production, product design, medical diagnosis and scientific research. Today, we stand at the beginning of the next era, the AI computing era, ignited by a new computing model, GPU deep learning.
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 June 20, 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.

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

View All Nvidia Jobs

Apply