Senior Research Scientist, Design Automation Research

Details

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to drive research at the intersection of AI, GPU computing, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA). This role focuses on applying deep learning and GPU acceleration to advance ASIC and VLSI design tool flows, and translating research into production-quality software and product impact. The position involves leadership in the Design Automation Research Group, cross-functional collaboration with circuits/VLSI/architecture teams, and engagement with the global research community through publications and open-source releases.

Responsibilities

• Define and conduct original research across EDA algorithms, VLSI design methodology, and advanced machine learning techniques.
• Innovate in EDA software and algorithms, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning approaches, as well as GPU-accelerated optimization methods.
• Apply deep learning and GPU computing to improve ASIC and VLSI design tool flows (synthesis, physical design, verification, timing, reliability, CAD algorithms).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with circuit design, VLSI, and architecture teams to ensure research translates to real-world product impact.
• Publish in premier conferences, present at leading venues, and drive thought leadership in the research community.
• Foster collaboration with external researchers and internal product teams; mentor junior scientists and lead research projects/teams.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of post-PhD research experience with a strong record of impactful publications in top EDA and AI/ML venues and demonstrated ability to set research direction and translate ideas into tools or products.
• Deep domain expertise in EDA/VLSI (e.g., synthesis, physical design, verification, timing, reliability, CAD algorithms).
• 5+ years applying machine learning / deep learning (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning) and GPU/accelerator-based computing to large-scale problems.
• 5+ years of software development experience with proficiency in at least two of: Python, PyTorch, C++, or CUDA.
• Strong expertise in high-performance computing, parallelism, optimization, and large-scale software engineering.
• Experience leading research projects or teams, mentoring junior scientists, and driving cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience presenting at top conferences and releasing high-impact open-source tools, datasets, or frameworks.

Benefits

• Base salary range: 184,000 USD - 299,000 USD (determined by location, experience, and comparable employees).
• Eligibility for equity and company benefits.
• Opportunity to work at a leading technology company, influence future of chip design, publish research, and collaborate with top researchers and engineers.

Additional Details

• Location: Santa Clara, CA, United States.
• Employment type: Full time.
• Applications accepted at least until October 19, 2025.
• NVIDIA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in hiring and promotion practices.