#NVIDIA – SoC Architect (SystemC / Modeling) vs Akuna Capital – SWE (C++ Low Latency)

38 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

wooden barn
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Note: Please look it from H1b Visa pov as well.

For context: I worked 2.5 years at an mid size HFT in India as a C++/Python infra engineer, mostly around performance and low-latency systems.

🔵 NVIDIA – SoC Architecture (San jose, Santa Clara)

Return offer rate: 95%+
Compensation: ~205k TC (165–170k base + 30–35k bonus)
Strong brand, strong stability
Visa: 90% it would be H1B Level 1 (maybe Level 2 in some cases if filed under hardware engineer but that too its not guaranteed)

Concerns:
Role is mostly SystemC modeling and architecture work
Less actual C++ low latency engineering
Long-term scope unclear — GPU/SoC architecture feels niche
Not sure how portable that experience is outside semiconductor-heavy companies

🟠 Akuna Capital – SWE (C++) (Chicago)

Return offer rate: 60–80%
Compensation: 240–280k TC (~150k base + bonus )
Visa: comfortably H1B Level 3; potentially Level 4 with just 1 usd/hr increase in base pay which i rarely think they'll allow
Pure C++ + low-latency systems — directly aligned with my past HFT experience

Concerns:
tier 3 hft, not big brand name
Reputation hit from layoffs 3 years ago
Internet reviews are mixed/fabricated (much of the people working at akuna rn say its from 2-3 folks that got their offer revoked)
Higher performance pressure
Return offer rate not as guaranteed as NVIDIA

That said, from people I’ve spoken to, the firm has stabilized and grown significantly over the last 2 years.

So what exactly should i choose exactly for my resume value and h1b visa selection?

lofty isle
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akuna simply because of better h1b

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but to go nvidia -> akuna or akuna -> nvidia would both be possible imo

tame laurel
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nvidia ironically doesnt have crazy exits at least as an experienced hire

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unless youre on v specific teams

wooden barn
tame laurel
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nvidia generally is p flexible for off season tho? if it doesnt harm grad and you still have CPT time could you try off season? akuna+nvda p strong contender for hrt/js/jump

wooden barn
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i've already talked with my college but they woudnt allow it.

tame laurel
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ah unfort, i would rec akuna then

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akuna ro is decent and worst case you recruit ng where youll be a lock for most quant

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which should easily place you at least in l3

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congrats on the offers btw, insane accomplishment!!

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if youre smart enough for akuna im sure at some point youd be eligible for o1 🙂

wooden barn
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ohh soo akuna from you opinion?

wooden barn
karmic forum
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wow 2.5 yoe for quant is crazy

karmic forum
craggy sedge
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Akuna is like one of the worse quant firms

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if you need h1b tho and these claims about the levels are true (tbh idk what the levels for h1b are), then take akuna

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You’ll basically make the same or a bit more at akuna as u would at nvidia and have lower col in chicago

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Exit opps are probably somewhat better at nvidia tho

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but if you’re cracked then it’s whatever

gilded quarry
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NVIDIA > Akuna without H1b considerations

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But if u need H1b then probably Akuna

neat girder
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akuna cuz h1b, nothing else matters

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which IIT did you go to

wooden barn
wooden barn
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i also have a concern that in case i join nvidia this summer and basically gurantee a full time job then start applying for a ng job at chicago for some hft's (but would those hft's really consider my profile good enough even after working at nvidia with systemc, c++, architech role)??

the only option i see for my h1b is getting a job at chicago where pay for hft folks is higher and normal h1b level wage is lower, so ultimately i need to get there at the end for my h1b visa.

mystic cobalt
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How are u calculating the h1b level? Any reliable website for it?

lofty isle
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he said he cant

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akuna pays far more, take it and jump afterwards

wooden barn
karmic forum
wooden barn
karmic forum
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sorry to hear that