A couple of new job listings on Nvidia’s official careers portal reveal the tech giant is looking for more Linux developers. This includes both improving existing Nvidia Linux drivers, as well as driving better support for Vulkan and Proton. The latter certainly caught our interest, as it will be relevant to any Linux PC gamer – especially those interested in SteamOS or similar distros.

AMD continues to be the go-to choice for anyone wishing to game on Linux thanks to better support and performance. The company has long offered open-source graphics drivers for Linux, and while its key rival, Nvidia, does have an open GPU kernel of its own for Linux, it’s playing catch-up. Filling two vacancies for Linux engineers should help speed that up.

Nvidia wants more Linux developers as the OS gets more popular for gaming

A new opening at Nvidia’s Santa Clara headquarters is reserved for a Senior System Software Engineer focusing on Vulkan performance. The job listing reveals that tasks include “diagnosing GPU and CPU performance bottlenecks in Vulkan and Proton titles” and developing a driver that “offers “leads the industry” for quality and performance. Below you can find the requirements.

What we need to see:

• Hold a B.S. or higher degree in Computer Science/Engineering or similar field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience (or equivalent) in graphics software, system programming, or related field.
• An understanding of graphics fundamentals, experience with operating systems and a solid understanding of computer architecture is required
• Comfortable with Vulkan, OpenGL or DirectX
• Strong programming skills in C and C++, familiarity with assembly code
• Experience in developing highly optimized code

Source: Nvidia (Senior System Software Engineer, Vulkan Performance)

It’s no secret at this point that Linux is getting more popular among gamers. Whether it’s people ditching Windows now that Win10 has reached end-of-life, or just those who saw the benefits of Linux gaming stemming from popular distros such as Valve’s SteamOS (which features on the Steam Deck) or similar desktop-focused distros such as Bazzite or CachyOS.

One of Valve’s developers working on the Steam Deck suggested last year that Nvidia drivers are holding back a widespread SteamOS release, so the custom operating system remains officially supported on handhelds only. Yes, you can install it on a desktop anyway, but the likes of Bazzite have come along to offer better support; it would be nice to get an official SteamOS version at some point. In any case, with growing support around Linux for gaming (GOG is working on it too), it’s no surprise to see Nvidia looking to bolster its team with more experts.

The other interesting job listing that appeared is for a Linux GPU Senior System Software Engineer, also at the Californian HQ. This role is focused on developing features and fixing bugs for Nvidia’s Linux drivers – Vulkan or OpenGL experience is preferred. Since it doesn’t mention Proton specifically, we imagine it’s a less gaming-focused role, but a notable vacancy nonetheless.

What we need to see:

• BS or MS degree or equivalent experience in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related degree.
• 5+ years of meaningful software development experience in C programming skills as well as having shown initiative in pursuing independent coding projects.
• Familiarity with computer system architecture, microprocessor, and microcontroller fundamentals (caches, buses, memory controllers, DMA, etc.).
• Experience with Linux KMD/UMD device driver system software
• Experience with AI development tools used in creating test cases, automating test cases, code coverage, triaging.

Source: Nvidia (Linux GPU Senior System Software Engineer)

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.