Principal Software Engineer - GT Data (Santa Clara)

We are looking for a Principal Engineer to drive upstream technical readiness for NVIDIA’s ground truth (GT) data generation stack. This role emphasizes supporting detailed technical execution during US hours while working in close partnership with our core GT teams in China. You will function as a strong technical connection between US and China, ensuring clear communication and timely closure of upstream issues that directly impact GT quality, scalability, and delivery.Serving as a key technical hub for GT in the US, you will work across hardware, system, infrastructure, MLE and operations teams to resolve the upstream blockers that affect GT production. The role is crucial for enabling high-quality GT generation for current and next-generation sensor configurations, and for ensuring that data can be produced accurately, reliably, and on time.What you'll be doing:Drive technical readiness for GT generation across key programs, especially for new sensor configurations and new data platforms.Lead investigation and resolution of upstream GT blockers, including but not limited to: cross-sensor time synchronization issues, multi-sensor calibration issues, new sensor set adaptation for GT tooling and pipelines, reconstruction and pose quality issues that impact GT generation, etc.Work closely with the GT team in China through daily syncs, technical reviews, and issue triage. Maintain unified status views of upstream technical blockers, readiness risks, and mitigation plans, and share them regularly with leadership across both regions.Collaborate with hardware, system, MLE, map, and infrastructure teams to ensure new sensor platforms and data pipelines are production-ready for GT generation.Help define technical requirements, validation criteria, and bring-up processes for future GT data generation systems, especially for L2++, L3/L4.What we need to see:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.15+ years of software engineering, systems engineering, data infrastructure, sensor integration, robotics, autonomous driving, or related technical experience.Strong experience in debugging and resolving complex cross-functional technical issues in data, sensor, or ML systems.Strong understanding of sensor systems and data pipelines, especially topics such as timestamps, synchronization, calibration, data integrity, and system bring-up.Ability to work effectively across time zones and manage technical communication between geographically distributed teams.Ways to stand out from the crowd:Ability to communicate in both English and Chinese (Mandarin) in a professional context.Experience with multi-sensor systems such as cameras, LiDAR, radar, and related calibration/synchronization workflows.Experience with GT generation, data ingestion pipelines, sensor bring-up, or large-scale data tooling.Demonstrated ability to use AI assistants, or AI agents to improve engineering efficiency, automate pipeline work, and scale technical problem solving.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 3, 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.SummaryLocation: US, CA, Santa ClaraType: Full time