Qualcomm

Principal / Dir / Sr. Director - Mobile Handset Products

Qualcomm$248K — $372K *
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field with 10+ years experience, or Master's with 9+ years, or PhD with 8+ years in Software Engineering.
  • 4+ years experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python.
  • Master's or PhD preferred in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
  • 15+ years of software engineering experience with leadership responsibilities.
  • Strong expertise in operating systems and platform architecture.

Responsibilities

  • Own software execution for mobile handset products across multiple chipset programs.
  • Drive software readiness through key milestones from architecture to customer launch.
  • Establish strategies and operating mechanisms for predictable large-scale program delivery.
  • Manage risks, dependencies, and align cross-functional engineering efforts.
  • Provide leadership for platform software architecture, including AI and system software.
  • Influence and partner with teams on future platform capabilities and technology investments.
  • Engage with OEM partners to align roadmaps and address critical issues.

Benefits

  • Competitive annual discretionary bonus program.
  • Opportunity for annual RSU grants.
  • Highly competitive benefits package designed for work-life balance.
Full Job Description
General Summary:

Qualcomm is seeking an experienced Senior Director of Engineering to lead software development and execution for next-generation mobile Premium Tier Handset Products. This leader will drive cross-functional engineering strategy, platform delivery, software architecture, productization, and customer enablement across flagship mobile chipset programs.

The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong organizational leadership to drive complex platform execution across software, systems, silicon, product management, and customer engineering teams. This role requires influencing senior executives, leading large cross-functional organizations, and ensuring successful delivery of premium mobile Handset Products to global OEM customers.

Key Responsibilities

Platform Leadership & Execution
  • Own end-to-end Mobile Handset Products software execution for multiple premium-tier chipset programs.
  • Drive software readiness across major milestones including architecture definition, bring-up, feature development, integration, validation, commercialization, and customer launch.
  • Establish execution strategies, operating mechanisms, and governance models to ensure predictable delivery of large-scale programs.
  • Manage execution risk, dependency resolution, and cross-functional alignment across engineering organizations.


Technical Strategy & Architecture
  • Provide technical leadership for platform software architecture spanning HLOS, firmware, middleware, virtualization, AI, and system software technologies.
  • Drive long-term platform strategy, software reuse, scalability, and roadmap alignment.
  • Partner with silicon, architecture, and product teams to influence future platform capabilities.
  • Lead technology investments that improve platform quality, performance, security, power efficiency, and customer adoption.


Customer & Executive Engagement
  • Represent software engineering in executive reviews with Qualcomm leadership.
  • Engage directly with strategic OEM and ecosystem partners to align roadmaps and resolve critical issues.
  • Lead communications during major escalations, launch readiness reviews, and customer engagements.
  • Partner with product management, sales, and customer engineering organizations to drive successful product adoption.


Process & Productivity Transformation
  • Drive initiatives that improve engineering productivity, platform stability, development velocity, and software quality.
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts across integration, testing, release management, and upgrade workflows.
  • Champion scalable platform solutions that reduce engineering effort and accelerate time-to-market.


Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 10+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 9+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ 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
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 15+ years of software engineering experience with increasing leadership responsibility.
  • 8+ years leading managers and senior technical leaders.
  • Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale commercial products in mobile, embedded, or system software environments.
  • Strong expertise in operating systems, system software, platform architecture, or mobile technologies.
  • Experience leading multi-disciplinary organizations across software, systems, and hardware domains.
  • Track record of driving execution across geographically distributed teams.
  • Experience leading flagship mobile platform programs from concept through commercialization.
  • Deep understanding of Android platform development and ecosystem requirements.
  • Experience with AI/ML platforms, virtualization, security technologies, and next-generation computing architectures.
  • Proven success managing executive stakeholder relationships and customer engagements.
  • Strong ability to balance technology innovation with business and product objectives.


Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$248,000.00 - $372,000.00

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Qualcomm

More Consumer Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal / Dir / Sr. Director - Mobile Handset Products jobs: