Nvidia posts job listing with up to $431,250 base salary for space data center role

As Elon Musk's space and AI company SpaceX continues to expand its presence, Nvidia — the leader in AI semiconductors — is now preparing in earnest to build its own space-based data center.

According to a job posting on the company's website Sunday (local time), Nvidia is recruiting a principal systems software architect for "Space-1."

The base salary ranges from $272,000 to $431,250 (420 million to 670 million won). The position also comes with eligibility for stock compensation.

Space-1 is an orbital data center module built on Nvidia's next-generation AI system, Vera Rubin.

The principal systems software architect will be responsible for developing the core software that enables the module to operate in the unpredictable environment of space — including withstanding intense radiation, extreme temperature swings, and maintaining power during eclipse periods.

Nvidia aims to build the module to endure at least five years in sun-synchronous orbit, surviving up to 8,000 thermal cycles.

Applicants must have at least 15 years of experience in systems software, including server environments. Experience building AI infrastructure or systems for space applications is also required.

As AI computing demand grows exponentially, major technology companies are racing to put data centers into Earth's orbit, drawing rising interest from investors and the public alike.

Musk's SpaceX recently completed preparations for a space-based data center after merging with AI company xAI and going public.

Reuters reported June 26 (local time) that SpaceX will join the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index on July 7 — a move widely seen as unusual.

The Nasdaq 100 is a benchmark index comprising the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq by market capitalization, anchored by major US technology firms such as Nvidia, Amazon and Apple.

Because large exchange-traded funds and index funds track the Nasdaq 100, inclusion in the index is considered a positive catalyst, as it triggers an inflow of passive funds into newly added stocks.

SpaceX listed on the Nasdaq exchange on June 12. Its addition to the Nasdaq 100 less than a month after its debut is highly unusual — it is rare for a company to join a major index so soon after listing.

Nasdaq has a "fast track" rule that allows exceptionally large companies to join the Nasdaq 100 quickly.