Backend Compiler Engineer - New College Grad 2026

at Nvidia

📍 Santa Clara, United States

USD 108,000-195,500 per year

MIDDLE

✅ On-site

Used Tools & Technologies

Not specified

Required Skills & Competences
Tag name is followed by "@" symbol and proficiency level value. About proficiency levels:

1-2 — basic awareness. Minimal hands-on experience, and a rudimentary understanding of the technology's purpose;

3-6 — daily use. Comfortable and regular usage, capable of handling common tasks and challenges related to the technology;

7-9 — you are an expert, you can teach others, you know all the pitfalls and tricks;

10 — exceptional knowledge, comprehensive understanding, and adeptness in all aspects of the technology, including advanced problem-solving. Think twice before claiming or demanding such level.

Communication @ 6 CUDA @ 3 GPU @ 3 Deep Learning @ 6 AI @ 6 OpenGL @ 3 OpenCL @ 3 LLVM @ 3

Details

NVIDIA's invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing — with the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Today, we are increasingly known as "the AI computing company."

We are looking to grow our company, and grow our teams with the smartest people in the world. We are looking for you: a Computer Science or Computer Engineering graduate to support the NVIDIA Back End Compiler Team. Our Compiler team is responsible for constructing and emitting the highest performance GPU machine instructions for Graphics (OpenGL, Vulkan, DX) and Compute (CUDA, PTX, OpenCL, Fortran, C++). This team is comprised of worldwide leading compiler engineering experts who provide leading edge performance and capabilities for NVIDIA's current and future complex parallel SIMT architectures.

Responsibilities

Investigate problems or improvement opportunities within the NVIDIA Compiler Back End consistent with your compiler experience and knowledge.
Work with global compiler, hardware and application teams to oversee improvements and problem resolutions.
Be part of a team that is at the center of deep-learning compiler technology spanning architecture design and support through functional languages.

Requirements

Recent graduate with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
Successful completion of an undergraduate Compiler Design class. Background in LLVM code generation.
Strong writing and oral communication skills and an ability to follow best practices for software engineering.
Strong coding skills in C/C++.

Ways to stand out / Preferred qualifications

Desire to specialize in Compiler Design and Construction; pursued graduate coursework in these areas.
Hands-on experience with backend compiler design and code generation.
Background in LLVM code generation including instruction scheduling, software pipelining, register allocation, GlobalISel, TableGen, LLVM IR, and Machine IR (MIR).
Experience with any of the following is a plus: GPU and parallel architectures; CUDA and/or PTX; Graphics (OpenGL, DX or Vulkan).

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary range (varies by level and location):
- Level 1: 108,000 USD - 178,250 USD
- Level 2: 124,000 USD - 195,500 USD
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits (link to NVIDIA benefits).

Additional information

Applications accepted at least until July 17, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.