Principal Engineer, Compilers and Formal Methods

Posted 5 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Seattle, WA, USA
In-Office
248K-391K Annually
Expert/Leader
Artificial Intelligence • Computer Vision • Hardware • Robotics • Metaverse
The Role
Leads research and engineering in compilers, programming languages, formal methods, and automated reasoning. Develops GPU and heterogeneous-computing compiler technologies, verified optimizations, program analyses, proof-generation techniques, and AI-assisted compiler tools. Collaborates with compiler, CUDA, GPU architecture, AI, systems, and research teams to transition prototypes into production. Mentors researchers and engineers while influencing NVIDIA’s compiler stack.
Summary Generated by Built In

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.


We are looking for an exceptional computer scientist to lead research at the intersection of compilers, programming languages, formal methods, and automated reasoning. As a Principal Engineer, Compilers & Formal Methods, you will develop next-generation compiler technologies that combine advanced program analysis and optimization with rigorous methods for establishing program correctness. You will investigate how formal semantics, automated reasoning, program synthesis, and verification can fundamentally improve the reliability and capabilities of compilers. The role spans fundamental research and practical compiler engineering, with opportunities to influence NVIDIA's compiler stack for GPUs, AI accelerators, domain-specific systems, and emerging computing architectures.


What you'll be doing:

  • Lead research in compiler technology, programming languages, formal methods, and automated reasoning.
  • Develop next-generation compiler techniques for translating high-level programs into efficient code for GPUs and heterogeneous computing platforms.
  • Develop formal foundations for compiler transformations and establish that optimizations preserve specified program semantics.
  • Research verified and formally grounded compiler optimizations, including techniques for automatically proving the correctness of transformations.
  • Develop scalable program analyses that enable compilers to reason about increasingly complex programs and transformations.
  • Investigate techniques for automatically generating proofs, invariants, specifications, and correctness certificates for compiler transformations.
  • Investigate how large language models and generative AI can assist compiler construction, optimization, program transformation, verification, and debugging.
  • Collaborate with NVIDIA compiler, CUDA, GPU architecture, AI, systems software, and research teams to transition research prototypes into production compiler technology.
  • Mentor researchers and engineers working on compiler technology, programming languages, formal verification, and automated reasoning.

What we need to see:

  • PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.
  • 15+ years academic and/or industry expertise in compiler construction, programming languages, formal methods, or closely related areas.
  • Strong understanding of compiler fundamentals, including intermediate representations, control-flow and data-flow analysis, static analysis and program transformation

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Research in verified compilation or formally verified compiler transformations.
  • Experience with translation validation, certified compilation, proof-producing compilation, and semantics-preserving optimization
  • Background with SMT/SAT solvers and automated reasoning systems.
  • Experience developing sophisticated compiler infrastructure or intermediate representations.

If you are passionate about compilers, formal reasoning, and building systems that can automatically transform and prove the correctness of programs, we want to hear from you. Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 248,000 USD - 391,000 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until October 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.

Skills Required

  • PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent research experience
  • 15+ years of academic and/or industry expertise in compiler construction, programming languages, formal methods, or closely related areas
  • Strong understanding of compiler fundamentals, including intermediate representations, control-flow analysis, data-flow analysis, static analysis, and program transformation
  • Research experience in verified compilation or formally verified compiler transformations
  • Experience with translation validation, certified compilation, proof-producing compilation, and semantics-preserving optimization
  • Background with SMT/SAT solvers and automated reasoning systems
  • Experience developing sophisticated compiler infrastructure or intermediate representations

NVIDIA Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about NVIDIA and has not been reviewed or approved by NVIDIA.

  • Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity awards and a discounted ESPP are highlighted as core parts of total compensation, enabling employees to share in the company’s success. Stock-based compensation and the two-year lookback ESPP are consistently described as especially valuable.
  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is portrayed as robust, with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options alongside mental health support and on-site care resources. Employer HSA contributions and wellness perks reinforce the depth of the offering.
  • Retirement Support — Retirement programs are depicted as strong, featuring a meaningful 401(k) match with Roth options and support for Mega Backdoor Roth contributions. These elements position long-term savings as a notable advantage of the total rewards package.

NVIDIA Insights

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The Company
HQ: Santa Clara, CA
21,960 Employees
Year Founded: 1993

What We Do

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, NVIDIA is increasingly known as “the AI computing company.”

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