Qualcomm

Rack Systems Architect

Qualcomm$220K — $330K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in data center hardware, system architecture, or infrastructure design
  • Proven experience with rack-scale or system-level architecture and integration
  • Strong expertise in power, thermal, and networking trade-offs at system scale
  • Solid understanding of high-speed architectures (PCIe, Ethernet, SerDes, DDR)
  • Experience leading cross-functional architecture across hardware, software, and systems teams
  • Strong communication and technical leadership skills

Responsibilities

  • Define and own rack-scale architecture, including compute topology, networking fabric, power distribution, and rack integration
  • Develop OCP-aligned Rack Level Designs (RLDs), including ORv3-based architectures
  • Lead rack-level power architecture (48V/54V), including redundancy, efficiency, and scalability
  • Define rack-level networking and interconnect architectures (Ethernet, PCIe, emerging fabrics)
  • Partner with thermal teams on cooling architecture and system-level trade-offs
  • Drive rack integration: mechanical layout, cabling, serviceability, manufacturability
  • Collaborate with software and firmware teams on rack management, telemetry, observability, and validation strategy

Benefits

  • Competitive annual discretionary bonus program
  • Opportunity for annual RSU grants
  • Comprehensive benefits package to support work-life balance
Full Job Description
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Engineering

Overview

We are hiring a Rack Systems Architect to define and deliver rack-scale compute systems for next-generation data center platforms. This role owns end-to-end rack architecture, spanning compute, networking, power, and cooling, and translates platform capabilities into scalable, deployment-ready solutions.

Operating at the intersection of silicon, systems, and infrastructure, you will drive architecture from concept through production-balancing performance, scalability, reliability, and total cost of ownership (TCO).

Why This Role Matters

You will define the building blocks of modern data center infrastructure-architecting rack-scale systems that directly impact performance, efficiency, and deployment at scale. Your work enables next-generation platforms to move from silicon to real-world production environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and own rack-scale architecture, including compute topology, networking fabric, power distribution, and rack integration
  • Develop OCP-aligned Rack Level Designs (RLDs), including ORv3-based architectures
  • Lead rack-level power architecture (48V/54V), including redundancy, efficiency, and scalability
  • Define rack-level networking and interconnect architectures (Ethernet, PCIe, emerging fabrics)
  • Partner with thermal teams on cooling architecture (liquid cooling, air cooling) and system-level trade-offs
  • Drive rack integration: mechanical layout, cabling, serviceability, manufacturability
  • Collaborate with software and firmware teams on rack management, telemetry, observability, and validation strategy
  • Ensure systems are deployment-ready, with focus on reliability, serviceability, and operational efficiency
  • Evaluate and drive adoption of emerging technologies (CXL, rack-scale disaggregation, next-gen interconnects)
  • Author architecture specifications, design documents, and trade-off analyses


Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in data center hardware, system architecture, or infrastructure design
  • Proven experience with rack-scale or system-level architecture and integration
  • Strong expertise in power, thermal, and networking trade-offs at system scale
  • Solid understanding of high-speed architectures (PCIe, Ethernet, SerDes, DDR)
  • Experience leading cross-functional architecture across hardware, software, and systems teams
  • Strong communication and technical leadership skills


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a relevant field
  • 15+ years of experience in platform and rack-scale architecture
  • Deep knowledge of OCP standards and ORv3 rack architectures
  • Experience delivering rack-scale systems in production data center environments
  • Expertise in rack-level power systems and energy efficiency optimization
  • Experience with liquid cooling technologies (DLC, RDHx, immersion)
  • Exposure to CXL, composable infrastructure, or rack-scale disaggregation
  • Experience working with OEMs/ODMs and hyperscale ecosystems


Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$220,200.00 - $330,400.00

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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