Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

NVIDIA NVIDIA · Semiconductors · Santa Clara, CA +4

Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer role at NVIDIA, focusing on shaping the future of graphics development through innovative tools, workflows, and technologies. This hands-on technical leadership position involves defining strategy, prototyping new tools, collaborating with various NVIDIA teams (Research, GPU Architecture, Driver, SDK, Developer Technology), and engaging with external developers. The role emphasizes technical excellence, execution, influence, and collaboration to improve how developers build, debug, profile, and optimize graphics applications, with a specific mention of AI transforming software development.

What you'd actually do

  1. Define and implement the technical vision and strategy for next-generation developer tools, workflows, and technologies that improve developer productivity.
  2. Design and prototype new tools that can evolve into production-ready software.
  3. Collaborate with GPU architects, driver engineers, SDK teams, and graphics developers to understand future needs and influence product direction.
  4. Drive technical initiatives across multiple organizations through collaboration and technical leadership.
  5. Mentor engineers and help establish engineering excellence within the larger Developer Tools organization.

Skills

Required

  • 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.

Nice to have

  • 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.

What the JD emphasized

  • 15+ years of experience developing graphics software, developer tools, game engines, GPU technologies, or related systems.
  • Proven ability to thrive in ambiguous environments and transform ideas into shipped products.