Director, Software Engineering - Semiconductor Inspection

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.

Are you ready to lead the charge in transforming the semiconductor manufacturing and automation sector with innovative AI and machine learning technologies? NVIDIA is seeking a dynamic Director of Software Engineering to build and lead a team of researchers, engineers, and data scientists. You will be at the forefront of our Metropolis for Semiconductor Manufacturing platforms, driving innovations that improve automation, product inspections, anomaly detection and yield improvement workflows. Join us in Santa Clara, CA, and contribute to an era where AI revolutionizes how multi-modal visual and time-series sensor data are collected, analyzed, and applied!

What you'll be doing:

• Define the vision and architecture for AI-powered semiconductor inspection systems spanning optical, e-beam, wafer and mask inspection, metrology, and defect review — translating research into scalable, production-grade platforms. 

• Own the strategy for agentic inspection solutions in air-gapped fab environments, covering data triage, model inference, review assistance, root-cause analysis, human-in-the-loop approval, and secure deployment. 

• Drive integration and evolution of inspection workflows across defect detection, classification, localization, segmentation, nuisance filtering, ADC, and ADR pipelines. 

• Set the standard for taking research into customer-ready products, with clear evaluation, failure analysis, monitoring, and production deployment paths.

• Exhibiting a strong interest in the development of novel ML/AI methodologies and agentic pipelines in manufacturing processes.

• Leading the development of “AI copilots” for semiconductor inspection using NVIDIA’s NIMs and Blueprints.

• Collaborating with robotics teams to build and validate autonomous systems before deployment.

• Being responsible for the Engineering roadmap for “AI for Semiconductor Inspection and Manufacturing” solutions, aligning technical directions with business outcomes.

• Representing NVIDIA in strategic customer engagements and working alongside multi-functional groups across regions to address key challenges.

What we need to see:

• MS or PhD in VLSI Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• 15+ overall years of validated experience in semiconductor manufacturing involving the building and development of tools and processes.

• 5+ years of leading and managing control of planning, staffing, budgeting, and expense prioritization, as well as recommending and implementing changes to methods

• Experience collaborating with multiple departments to address common automation challenges.

• Knowledge of vision and signal-based measurement methods and metrology data workflows.

• Track record in developing algorithms aimed at predictive analytics and machine learning with demonstrated improvement outcomes.

• A consistent track record of keeping ahead of the latest trends in manufacturing and automation.

• Strong communication skills with phenomenal attention to detail.

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 320,000 USD - 488,750 USD.Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 13, 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.