Qualcomm

Director/Principal Engineer - Automotive Software

Qualcomm$192K — $289K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in related fields with 8+ years of experience, or Master's with 7+ years, or PhD with 6+ years.
  • 4+ years of experience with programming languages like C, C++, Java, Python.
  • Proven experience in customer-facing technical leadership roles.
  • Strong background in automotive systems engineering.
  • Familiarity with automotive safety and quality frameworks such as ISO 26262.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the entire lifecycle of automotive software projects from concept to delivery.
  • Serve as the chief technical counterpart to OEM's engineering leadership.
  • Lead technical discussions for customer needs and alignment with Qualcomm's resources.
  • Coordinate internal teams to ensure project milestones are met.
  • Manage technical issues and escalate as necessary for timely resolution.

Benefits

  • Competitive annual discretionary bonus program.
  • Opportunity for annual RSU grants.
  • Highly competitive benefits package tailored for work-life balance.
  • Support for professional development and growth opportunities.
Full Job Description
Seeking highly skilled and motivated Director/Principal level Customer Project Engineer for Automotive Software Platform team. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the entire lifecycle of automotive software projects from concept to completion. This includes analyzing project requirements, preparing schedules, coordinating team tasks, and ensuring that projects meet quality standards and are completed on time. In this highly visible role, you will interface directly with the OEM's engineering executives and Qualcomm's senior technical and business leadership. You will: • Develop a deep understanding of the OEM's roadmap, vehicle and backend architecture, requirements, and constraints • Lead and coordinate all technical aspects of business acquisition, delivery execution, and post-SOP maintenance • Represent the "voice of the customer" in internal forums, escalating needs and driving alignment across Qualcomm engineering, product management, program management, and sales Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership: • Act as the chief technical counterpart to the OEM's engineering leadership for all Cockpit (IVI), ADAS and related programs. • Serve as the main technical point of contact covering SoC, platform software, tools, and system integration topics. • Work with Software Product (SP) PE internally and manage external customer deliverables/expectations/escalations • Lead and manage automotive software engineering projects from conception to completion. • Prepare, schedule, coordinate, and monitor the assigned engineering projects. • Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with the customer's engineering executives, architects, and program leads. • Anticipate customer needs and translate them into Qualcomm platform requirements, features, and solutions. • Lead the technical workstreams for RFIs/RFQs and advanced engagement discussions with the OEM. • Define technical solution proposals based on Qualcomm's product portfolio, including SoCs, BSP, Platform Software and reference platforms. Program Execution & Delivery • Provide overarching technical leadership for all active programs with the OEM, across all phases (concept, development, validation, SOP, and maintenance). • Coordinate and synchronize Qualcomm internal engineering teams (HW, SW, systems, safety, security, tools, test) to meet customer milestones. • Drive resolution of critical technical issues, ensuring timely escalation and clear communication to both customer and Qualcomm management. • Support design reviews, technical workshops, joint debugging sessions, and on-site integration activities as needed. • Coordinate with customers and other stakeholders to ensure the Software delivery meet project requirements. • Identify, analyze, and mitigate project risks and issues. • Implement and manage project changes and interventions to achieve project outputs. • Monitor and report on project progress, problems, and solutions. • Ensure that all engineering work meets standards and customer specifications. Voice of the Customer & Internal Alignment • Represent the customer's priorities, constraints, and pain points in internal reviews, roadmap discussions, and management meetings. • Provide structured feedback to product management and engineering on gaps, competitive pressure, and future requirements. • Ensure internal stakeholders understand customer commitments, program risk, and required trade-offs. Technical Thought Leadership & Mentoring • Act as a technical role model: hands-on, detail-oriented, and able to deep-dive into complex system issues when required. • Guide and mentor cross-functional Qualcomm teams working on the customer, helping them prioritize and solve problems effectively. Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. • 4+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc. Preferred Qualifications: • Extensive experience in software engineering, including project management and leadership roles. • Strong understanding of engineering principles and practices. • Strong background in automotive systems engineering with focus on: • Compute platform architecture (SoC, GPU/DSP, accelerators) • Embedded SW stacks (OS such as QNX/Linux/Android, middleware, frameworks, toolchains) • Solid understanding of automotive safety and quality frameworks (e.g., ISO 26262, ASPICE, cybersecurity standards) and their impact on architecture and execution. • Proven experience as a customer-facing technical leader, such as chief engineer, system architect, technical program lead, or equivalent. • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority in a complex matrix organization. • Strong problem-solving skills, data-driven and structured, with ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure. • Willingness to travel regularly to customer and Qualcomm sites (domestic and international). • Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering complex software projects. • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, independently with minimal supervision. • Experience with software development methodologies and tools. Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits: $192,600.00 - $289,000.00 The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link. If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm Ventures is the investment arm of Qualcomm Incorporated. Founded in 2000, Qualcomm Ventures is a corporate venture capital fund with over 150 active portfolio companies and more than 20 exits over a billion dollars, including 99 Taxis, Cruise Automation, Fitbit, Invensense, NQ Mobile, Waze, and more. As a global investor, Qualcomm Ventures helps connect entrepreneurs to the resources, relationships, and deep industry expertise they need to succeed in the mobile technology ecosystem.

Qualcomm Careers

Joining Qualcomm offers more than just a job opportunity; it's a gateway to a career infused with innovation, leadership, and growth. As a pivotal leader in the world of wireless technology, Qualcomm stands at the forefront of digital communication advancements. Our team of professionals is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, making this an ideal time to become part of our global community.

Work You’ll Do

At Qualcomm, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, engaging in work that transforms the way the world connects, computes, and communicates. Our diverse team is driven by a shared passion for creating path-breaking wireless technologies that empower mobile ecosystems worldwide.

Innovate and Grow

Embrace the opportunity to innovate alongside leaders in the field and contribute to projects that have a global impact. Qualcomm is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Professional Growth and Development

Qualcomm is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees, offering unparalleled benefits, diverse career paths, and extensive training programs that encourage professional and personal development. Whether you're looking for leadership roles or specialized technical positions, Qualcomm provides the resources and support to help you drive your career forward.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce fuels our innovation and reflects our commitment to making a positive impact. Qualcomm’s inclusive culture and diversity training programs are designed to promote an environment where all employees can thrive.

Internship Programs

Start your career with Qualcomm through our dynamic internship programs. These opportunities allow you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios, providing a robust foundation for future employment. Internships at Qualcomm are characterized by meaningful projects and the chance to network with industry leaders.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous job opportunities at Qualcomm, from engineering to marketing, and discover how your skills and interests align with our mission. We are continuously hiring creative and driven individuals who are ready to contribute to our culture of innovation.

Prepare for Your Interview

Ready to join our team? Prepare your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Our interview process is designed to understand your capabilities and how they align with our goals at Qualcomm. We look for passionate, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Qualcomm by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives and industry-leading insights that can help you navigate your professional journey.

Career Opportunities Await

At Qualcomm, your career is what you make of it. With support for your ambitions and a network of global professionals, the opportunities to advance and excel are nearly limitless. Join us and be part of a team that’s leading the world in next-generation technology.

Search Qualcomm Jobs

Discover the positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for individuals who are ready to make an impact and excel in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Explore Qualcomm Careers

Whether you're seeking an internship, a first job, or a leadership position, Qualcomm offers a range of opportunities across various disciplines. Let your career journey begin here, where innovation, leadership, and growth come together to create extraordinary outcomes.
Learn more about Qualcomm
Size
45,000 employees
Market Cap
$122.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.7 billion
Founded
1985
5 Year Trend
+14.7%
Revenue
$26.6 billion
NASDAQ

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