NVIDIA Corporation

Director, Perception - Autonomous Vehicles

NVIDIA Corporation • $320K — $488K *
Santa Clara, CA 95051In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Reposted Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science or Robotics.
  • 10+ years of experience in deep learning or computer vision, with 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
  • Expertise in modern network architectures like Transformers and multi-sensor fusion techniques.
  • Proven track record in deploying safety-critical machine learning models on embedded platforms.
  • Strong coding skills in Python and C++, along with experience in deep learning frameworks.
  • Exceptional communication and leadership abilities.
  • Highly motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a high-performing team in autonomous vehicle perception.
  • Strategize and shape the design of advanced network architectures for sensor fusion.
  • Manage the full machine learning lifecycle from data generation to model deployment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate perception systems effectively.
  • Foster a culture of ownership, swift execution, and innovation while adhering to safety standards.

Benefits

  • Access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
  • Opportunities for equity participation.
  • Supportive and inclusive work environment.
  • A chance to collaborate with industry leaders and innovators.
Full Job Description
In this critical leadership role, you will drive the development of state-of-the-art deep learning models that enable our vehicles to see, understand, and navigate complex environments. You will lead teams pushing the boundaries of modern network architectures to deliver a robust, real-time 3D world model. If you are a relentless problem-solver who thrives on building world-class teams and shipping production AI, we want to hear from you.

What you'll be doing:
  • Lead and Inspire: Manage, mentor, and scale a high-performing organization of engineering managers, applied researchers, and software engineers dedicated to autonomous vehicle perception.
  • Drive the Architecture: Guide the strategic direction, design, and execution of modern network architectures (e.g., Transformers, BEV, Occupancy Networks, Vision-Language-Action models) for multi-sensor fusion (camera, LiDAR, radar) and real-time 3D world reconstruction.
  • End-to-End Ownership: Oversee the entire machine learning lifecycle-from active learning, data mining, and synthetic data generation to model training, model performance acceleration, and deployment on NVIDIA DRIVE platforms (Orin/Thor).
  • Cross-Functional Teamwork: Partner closely with leaders across Planning and Control, Mapping, Hardware, and Safety teams to ensure seamless integration of the perception stack and alignment on AV system-level metrics.
  • Cultivate Excellence: Foster a culture of radical ownership, high-velocity execution, and continuous innovation. Ensure all algorithms and production code adhere to strict automotive quality and safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262).


What we need to see:
  • Ph.D. or master's degree in computer science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, visual computing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 10+ overall years of industry experience in deep learning, computer vision, or autonomous robotics, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing large teams or multiple layers of management.
  • Deep, hands-on theoretical and practical expertise with modern network architectures (Transformers, CNNs, Foundation Models) and complex multi-sensor fusion paradigms.
  • A proven track record of successfully deploying production-grade, safety-critical machine learning models to edge/embedded computing platforms.
  • Strong foundational knowledge in Python, C++, and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow).
  • Exceptional communication and leadership skills. You must be able to distill complex technical uncertainty into clear, actionable strategies for both your team and executive leadership.
  • A highly motivated, entrepreneurial mindset. You possess a relentless drive to solve the hardest problems in the AV space and the energy to lead a team through the challenges of shipping bleeding-edge technology.


Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • Demonstrated success in shipping autonomous vehicle software to mass-production.
  • A recognized presence in the global AI/CV community, evidenced by top-tier publications (CVPR, ICCV, NeurIPS) or significant open-source contributions.
  • Hands-on experience with next-generation paradigms, such as end-to-end autonomous driving architectures, Large Vision Models (LVMs), or sim-to-real transfer techniques.
  • Deep understanding of hardware-software co-design, specifically optimizing modern networks for NVIDIA GPU architectures.


Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 320,000 USD - 488,750 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until March 16, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

About NVIDIA Corporation

Nvidia, a global leader in graphics, gaming, and AI technology, offers Nvidia careers and internship opportunities for those passionate about driving innovation in the tech industry. you'll find a company committed to growth, teamwork, and leadership in computer science and machine learning domains.

About Nvidia

A Pioneer in Technology and Innovation

Nvidia has cemented its reputation as a powerhouse in developing advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) and has significantly contributed to the gaming industry's evolution. Moreover, its foray into AI and machine learning has opened new frontiers in technology, making Nvidia a beacon of innovation and a desirable workplace for ambitious tech professionals.

Job Opportunities

Diverse Positions in a Dynamic Field

Nvidia is continuously on the lookout for talented individuals across various domains, including hardware and software engineering, product design, marketing, and sales. Employment opportunities at Nvidia are vast, catering to a wide range of expertise and career aspirations.

Employment in Hardware and Graphics

For those fascinated by the intricacies of hardware and graphics technology, Nvidia offers positions that sit at the forefront of gaming and computing advancements.

Growth in Machine Learning and AI

Nvidia's leadership in AI and machine learning has created numerous vacancies for specialists eager to contribute to groundbreaking projects.

Recruitment in Computer Science

With the constant demand for innovation, Nvidia's recruitment efforts focus on computer science experts capable of pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Internship Program

Opening Doors to Future Innovators

Nvidia's internship program is designed to nurture the next generation of technology leaders, offering hands-on experience in a culture that celebrates creativity and teamwork.

Benefits and Culture

Interns at Nvidia enjoy a plethora of benefits, from competitive stipends to mentorship opportunities, all within an environment that values growth and learning.

Opportunities for Students

Whether you're an undergraduate, a master's student, or a Ph.D. candidate, Nvidia's internships provide a real-world glimpse into the tech industry, offering valuable experience in various technology fields.

Pathways to Full-Time Employment

Many interns have transitioned into full-time positions, marking the start of successful careers at Nvidia. The internship program is more than a stepping stone into the company; it’s an investment in the professional development of interns. The goal is to ensure that interns are well-equipped for future challenges.

Nvidia Careers: More Than Just a Job

Nvidia offers more than just a job to its employees; it provides a front-row seat on the journey into the future of technology. Nvidia stands as a pillar of innovation with its vast opportunities in hardware, graphics, gaming, machine learning, and computer science. Nvidia careers serve as a launching pad for talented workers who aim to redefine the technological landscape. Whether through full-time positions or internships, joining Nvidia means contributing to a legacy of breakthroughs and becoming part of a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Learn more about NVIDIA Corporation
Size
22,473 employees
Market Cap
$350.4 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$4.3 billion
Founded
1993
5 Year Trend
+31.3%
Revenue
$16.6 billion
NASDAQ
NVDA
* Ladders Estimates

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