Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

NVIDIA•Durham, NC

3d•$272,000 - $431,250

About The Position

The Graphics Developer Tools team is seeking an exceptional technical leader to help shape the future of graphics development. This role spans multiple areas of NVIDIA's graphics software ecosystem, driving innovation across developer tools, graphics technologies, and next-generation development workflows. You will create and lead new strategic initiatives, partnering closely with NVIDIA Research, GPU Architecture, Driver, SDK, and Developer Technology teams to evaluate emerging technologies, prototype new ideas, and deliver solutions that improve how developers build, debug, profile, and optimize graphics applications. This is a hands-on technical leadership role emphasizing vision, execution, influence, and collaboration. Success in this role comes from technical excellence and the ability to align teams around ambitious ideas.

Requirements

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 Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Define and implement the technical vision and strategy for next-generation developer tools, workflows, and technologies that improve developer productivity.
Design and prototype new tools that can evolve into production-ready software.
Collaborate with GPU architects, driver engineers, SDK teams, and graphics developers to understand future needs and influence product direction.
Drive technical initiatives across multiple organizations through collaboration and technical leadership.
Mentor engineers and help establish engineering excellence within the larger Developer Tools organization.
Engage with external developers, game studios, engine teams, and strategic partners to understand real-world workflows and pain points.
Represent NVIDIA at industry events, technical conferences, and developer engagements.
Influence the evolution of graphics development as AI increasingly transforms how software is built, optimized, and maintained.