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# Staff Simulation Software Engineer

- **Company:** NIO
- **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $163,500 - $212,400
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), 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, Simulation Software, Software Engineering, Strategies of Testing, User-Centered Design, VirtualBox, Virtualization Technology, Xen Servers, Data Logging, Real Time Systems, Information Technology, Production Code, Bare Metal, Vmware
- **Published:** November 9, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/staff-simulation-software-engineer-san-jose-ca--1f5482a3-1257-4a92-b7cb-8e835940a401

## About the Role

Software Engineering, Software Simulation, Java NIO, Sales, Software Engineering, Hypervisors, Hardware Architecture, Software Simulation, High Throughput, Virtualization Software, * 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

As a Staff Simulation Software Engineer, you will design and deliver the foundational low-level software that makes this possible - working at the intersection of hypervisor technology, hardware architecture, and automotive real-time systems. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role with direct influence on vehicle programs that will shape the future of mobility., * 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.