Qualcomm

Embedded Systems Software Engineer

Qualcomm$122K — $183K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or PhD)
  • 2+ years of Software Engineering or Embedded Software experience (or 1+ year for Master's)
  • Proficiency in C programming and low-level system software debugging
  • Understanding of Linux kernel fundamentals and networking architecture
  • Hands-on experience with networking concepts like Ethernet and TCP/IP
  • Experience with device drivers on Linux or similar embedded systems
  • Exceptional troubleshooting skills with embedded debugging tools

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop embedded software throughout the entire development lifecycle
  • Develop and debug low-level software components including device drivers and firmware
  • Conduct on-target and off-target development and debugging
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integrated system solutions
  • Contribute to technical design reviews and project planning processes
  • Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation
  • Own software features from design to commercialization
  • Mentor junior engineers and ensure engineering excellence

Benefits

  • Competitive annual discretionary bonus program
  • Opportunity for annual RSU grants
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Support for work-life balance and personal development
  • Diverse and inclusive workplace culture
Full Job Description
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Software Engineering

General Summary:

Qualcomm is looking for a highly motivated Embedded Systems Software Engineer to join our Data / Networking software team. In this role, you will design, develop, optimize, and maintain high-performance Ethernet networking and data-path drivers for Qualcomm's Wireless Broadband connectivity, Automotive Infotainment and Telematics platforms based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon and Dragonwing SOCs.

You will work at the intersection of Linux kernel / QNX networking stacks, Ethernet device drivers, SoC hardware (Ethernet MACs, PHYs, switches), and networking performance. The role involves close collaboration with hardware architecture teams, platform software, validation, and customer-facing engineering teams to enable robust, scalable, and production-quality Ethernet solutions for diverse product segments. You will be responsible for developing, integrating and commercializing device driver SW for various integrated and discrete Ethernet solutions, enabling leading edge networking features while meeting stringent reliability, availability and performance requirements for demanding applications and use cases. You will collaborate with cross functional teams across multiple locations through the development lifecycle and work in a highly dynamic and engaging environment.

Job Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, integrate, and maintain embedded software across the full development lifecycle, including driver development, platform bring-up, feature enablement, debugging, and validation for embedded systems.
  • Develop and debug low-level software components, including device drivers, firmware, and RTOS/Linux kernel modules, working closely with hardware to ensure correct and efficient operation.
  • Perform on-target and off-target development and debugging, using standard embedded debug tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve functional, performance, and stability issues.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware design, systems, integration, test, application engineering, and customer support, to deliver integrated system solutions.
  • Contribute to technical design reviews and project planning, providing strong engineering input on architecture, trade-offs, schedules, and risk areas.
  • Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation, including design descriptions, architecture specifications, and internal documentation.
  • Own complex software features end-to-end, from requirements analysis and design through implementation, testing, and commercialization in production environments
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, and act as a strong individual contributor within the team while driving engineering excellence.
  • Support customer and field issues by analyzing problem reports, reproducing issues, and delivering robust fixes while balancing product schedules and quality requirements.


Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Embedded Software, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Embedded Software, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong proficiency in C programming, with experience developing or debugging low-level system software.
  • Solid understanding of Linux kernel fundamentals, including:
    • Memory management, interrupts, DMA, synchronization primitives.
    • Kernel networking architecture
  • Hands-on experience with networking concepts, such as:
    • Ethernet fundamentals, VLANs.
    • TCP/IP stack and basic L2/L3 packet flows.
  • Experience developing, integrating, or debugging device drivers on Linux or a similar embedded OS.
  • Strong debugging skills using tools such as gdb, perf, ftrace, etc. and comfort working close to hardware.
  • Direct experience with Ethernet MAC or switch driver development
  • Familiarity with automotive or embedded SoCs
  • Exposure to QNX networking or other RTOS networking stacks.
  • Experience analyzing and optimizing CPU utilization, latency, and throughput in networking workloads.
  • Prior contributions to upstream Linux kernel or experience maintaining downstream kernel forks.
  • Knowledge of networking virtualization or offload technologies .
  • Strong interest in system performance, root-cause analysis, and end-to-end data-path optimization.
  • Ability to collaborate across software, hardware, and systems teams and communicate technical topics clearly.


Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$122,500.00 - $183,700.00

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.

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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.

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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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