Director, System Software - AV Platform (Santa Clara)

Job Requisition ID: JR2018188

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Director of System Software to lead the development of foundational software technologies for our automotive platforms. This is an opportunity to lead a world-class engineering organization responsible for delivering high-performance, safety-critical, and scalable system software powering next-generation automotive compute platforms. We work cross-functionally with hardware, architecture, AI, platform, safety, product, and OEM partner teams to define and implement the software strategy for NVIDIA’s automotive solutions. This role requires strong technical depth, proven leadership in large-scale software organizations, and experience delivering complex embedded or distributed systems in production environments.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and scale a high-performing engineering organization focused on automotive system software development.
• Define the technical roadmap and execution strategy for system software components including operating systems, virtualization, middleware, drivers, runtime frameworks, security, and platform services.
• Partner closely with silicon, platform architecture, AI, and automotive product teams to deliver integrated hardware/software solutions.
• Establish engineering standards for software quality, performance optimization, functional safety, reliability, and security.
• Lead all aspects of software development lifecycle processes, including planning, execution, validation, release management, and long-term support.
• Collaborate with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and strategic partners to align software capabilities with customer and market requirements.
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards and processes including ISO 26262, ASPICE, cybersecurity, and safety certification requirements.
• Mentor engineering leaders and nurture a culture of innovation, accountability, inclusion, and technical excellence.

What We Need To See

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 15+ overall years of experience in systems software, embedded systems, platform software, or operating systems development. 8+ years of engineering leadership experience running large, geographically distributed software teams.
• Deep expertise in one or more of the following areas: embedded Linux or RTOS platforms, hypervisors and virtualization technologies, device drivers and kernel development, automotive middleware, and platform services.
• Strong understanding of automotive software development practices and standards including ISO 26262, AUTOSAR, ASPICE, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Proven track record of delivering complex software platforms from concept through production.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and executive partner management skills.

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd

• Experience with autonomous driving or ADAS software platforms.
• Experience building scalable automotive compute platforms or centralized vehicle architectures.
• Prior experience working with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
• Strong background in cloud-connected automotive software ecosystems.
• Experience leading globally distributed engineering organizations through periods of rapid growth and transformation.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 320,000 USD - 488,750 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 22, 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.