Principal Linux Kernel Engineer – NVIDIA CPU Server Platforms
NVIDIAPrincipal Linux Kernel Engineer – NVIDIA CPU Server Platforms
NVIDIALocation
Santa Clara, CA
Type
Full-time
Posted
8/6/2026
Compensation
$272,000 - $431,250 per year
Job description
As a Principal Linux Kernel Engineer at NVIDIA, you will lead the development of the upstream-first Linux kernel strategy for NVIDIA CPU Server platforms. This role involves collaborating with experts to influence hardware architecture and guide kernel development. You will have the opportunity to impact the future of computing by working on next-generation CPU and SoC architectures. Join a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence in technology.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 14+ years of experience developing Linux kernel software.
- Deep expertise in Linux kernel internals and multiple kernel subsystems.
- Recognized contributor with an established reputation in the Linux kernel community.
- Strong understanding of CPU architecture, memory management, interrupts, scheduling, synchronization, virtualization, ACPI, PCIe, and device drivers.
- Experience leading complex cross-functional software initiatives.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence technical direction across engineering organizations.
Responsibilities
- Own and drive the Linux kernel strategy for NVIDIA CPU platforms with an upstream-first development model.
- Lead the upstream enablement of NVIDIA CPU platforms across major Linux kernel subsystems while minimizing downstream maintenance.
- Track Linux kernel evolution and drive technical roadmaps across core subsystems including memory management, scheduling, virtualization, PCIe, ACPI, RAS, CXL, networking, filesystems, and security.
- Partner with CPU architects, hardware designers, firmware teams, and software engineers to influence hardware architecture and interfaces for clean, upstream-friendly Linux support.
- Represent NVIDIA in the Linux open-source community by collaborating with subsystem maintainers, driving upstream reviews, and advocating for NVIDIA technologies.
- Lead the architecture and implementation of Linux kernel support for next-generation CPU and SoC features.
- Establish best practices for upstream development, code quality, kernel review processes, and long-term maintainability while mentoring engineers across the organization.
- Collaborate with Linux distributions, ecosystem partners, and internal engineering teams to enable NVIDIA CPU platforms and shape future Linux kernel capabilities.
Benefits
- Employees at NVIDIA are often offered comprehensive, day-one benefits—including medical, dental, and vision coverage with HSA support, life and disability insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and a 401(k) with auto-enrollment. Many roles also have generous time off and holidays, donation matching (up to $10,000), and a wide menu of extras like FSAs, commuter benefits, legal and identity-theft protection, pet insurance, and wellness discounts. Optional programs can include student-loan and home-purchase support, plus family care resources and expert medical services.
H-1B filing history
Public USCIS petition and DOL LCA counts · latest USCIS FY2026, LCA FY2026
Filing entity: Nvidia Corporation
As of Aug 23, 2026
Initial approvals
355
FY2026
Approval rate
99.2%
FY2026
LCA certified
7,667
FY2026
Entry-level share
11.9%
FY2026
Initial approvals YoY
-37%
Trend
LCA certified YoY
-83%
Trend
Initial approvals by fiscal year
Approval rate by fiscal year
Continuing vs initial approvals
LCA certified positions by quarter
LCA certified positions by fiscal year
Based on public USCIS and DOL filings; not a sponsorship guarantee.
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