> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1314615-staff-simulation-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1314615-staff-simulation-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Simulation Software Engineer - **Company:** NIO - **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $163,500.0 - $212,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Frameworks, AUTomotive Open System Architecture (AUTOSAR), Cloud Computing, Databases, Computer Engineering, Linux, Middleware, Emulators, Hypervisor, Kernel-Based Virtual Machine, Linux Kernel, Performance Tuning, Systems Development Life Cycle, Quick EMUlator (QEMU), Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Strategies of Testing, User-Centered Design, VirtualBox, Virtualization Technology, Xen Servers, Data Logging, Information Technology, Production Code, Bare Metal, Vmware - **Published:** July 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/0f6ee57c-32b2-4413-8003-f99e9eb32f6f ## About the Role 7+ years of hands-on experience building complex, high-performance software systems (embedded systems, virtualization, or large-scale simulation preferred). 3+ years of deep expertise in QEMU or similar simulation / emulation / virtualization software development on Linux (KVM experience highly valued). Strong architectural background in CPU, GPU, and NPU architectures, modern SoC designs, software stacks, and virtualization technologies (including virtualization extensions and performance optimization techniques). Solid mastery of Linux kernel internals, embedded / real-time operating systems (real-time OS), and low-level driver development. Proven experience with ARM platform bring-up and bare-metal / low-level software development. BS / MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, production-grade code on aggressive timelines, with excellent technical documentation and communication skills. Organized mindset and a passion for delivering high-quality software in a collaborative environment. Preferred Qualifications: Deep expertise in QEMU or simulator architecture and development (contributor or maintainer experience is a strong plus). Hands-on experience with Linux hypervisors and virtualized driver stacks in environments such as QEMU, KVM, VMware, VirtualBox, or Xen. Familiarity with Linux hypervisor, middleware, and application frameworks. Experience in automotive platforms (AUTOSAR, functional safety ISO 26262, or vehicle virtualization frameworks) is a significant advantage. Exposure to cloud computing, databases, and logging techniques for large-scale simulation/validation pipelines is a plus. ## Description Own the end-to-end design and delivery of low-level emulation and virtualization software for high-performance, high-throughput ECU simulation across multiple cross-platform vehicle initiatives, ensuring industry-leading reliability, scalability, and efficiency. Architect and optimize CPU, GPU, NPU simulation / emulation / virtualization technologies continuously pushing the boundaries of functionality, performance, efficiency, and reliability. Deliver production-grade simulation components that precisely meet product definitions, customer specifications, and vehicle platform requirements, maintaining full traceability to requirements. Design and implement high-performance Linux guest drivers and libraries for CPU, GPU, NPU, and peripheral components, enabling seamless virtualized hardware access in a virtualized environment. Partner closely with application and system development, validation, and integration teams to translate real-world automotive constraints into robust, high-quality simulation solutions that accelerate vehicle product SW development, validation, and integration. Drive high-quality, on-time delivery of software deliverables across multiple vehicle programs while championing best practices in testing strategies, traceability, and continuous improvement. ## Related Videos - [The best of two worlds - Bringing enterprise-grade Linux to the vehicle](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/67-the-best-of-two-worlds-bringing-enterprise-grade-linux-to-the-vehicle) - [Kubernetes and Microservices with Multi-Model Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/382-kubernetes-and-microservices-with-multi-model-databases) - [WebAssembly: The Next Frontier of Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/972-webassembly-the-next-frontier-of-cloud-computing) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Fault Tolerance and Consistency at Scale: Harnessing the Power of Distributed SQL Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1146-fault-tolerance-and-consistency-at-scale-harnessing-the-power-of-distributed-sql-databases) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)