Principal Systems Software Engineer

NVIDIA

Senior Principal Systems Software Engineer developing libraries for Apache Spark Acceleration at NVIDIA. Collaborating on distributed processing problems and enhancing open-source libraries.

Posted 7/16/2026full-timeSanta Clara • California, Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $272,000 - $431,250 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in developing high-quality distributed systems using Java, Scala, and CUDA/C++. Proficient in optimizing libraries for data processing and contributing to open source projects within the data platform ecosystem.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Java ProgrammingScala ProgrammingCUDA/C++ DevelopmentDistributed Systems DesignOpen Source Contributions

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

C++ ProgrammingJava ProgrammingScala ProgrammingDatabase Query OptimizationLibrary DevelopmentDataFrame AccelerationI/O OperationsTechnical DiscussionCode ContributionsContinuous Integration

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCollaborationMotivation

Tools & Technologies

Apache IcebergDelta LakeUnity CatalogNVIDIA cuDFCCCLUCXApache SparkVeloxPrestoApache Arrow

Industry Keywords

Data Platform EcosystemDistributed ProcessingOpen Source SoftwareFile FormatsMetastores

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ApacheDistributed SystemsJavaOpen SourceScalaSparkUnity

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop Java, Scala and CUDA/C++ libraries to accelerate DataFrames and I/O operations on common file formats such as Parquet, ORC and JSON
Enable interoperability with table formats such as Apache Iceberg and Delta Lake, and metastores such as Unity Catalog
Work with open source communities to enhance libraries like NVIDIA cuDF, CCCL and UCX through technical discussion and code contributions
Collaborate with distributed systems teams to craft solutions to distributed processing problems challenges at large scale
Provide recommendations and feedback to teams regarding decisions surrounding topics such as infrastructure, continuous integration and testing strategy
Build, test and optimize CUDA/C++ libraries across different platforms

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or closely related field (or equivalent experience)
15+ years of work experience in software development
Outstanding technical skills in designing and implementing high-quality distributed systems
Excellent programming skills in C++, Java, and/or Scala
Ability to work with teams across organizational boundaries and geographies
Familiarity with the open source data platform ecosystem (Apache Spark, Velox, Presto, Apache Arrow, Apache DataFusion, etc.). Meaningful contributions to the OSS community a plus.
Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills
Database query optimization is a strong plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

equity
benefits 📊 Check your resume score for this job Improve your chances of getting an interview by checking your resume score before you apply. Check Resume Score