Qualcomm

Senior Linux Peripheral Software Engineer (Onsite at our Santa Clara Office)

Qualcomm$123K — $185K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field with specific software experience.
  • 2+ years of experience in Software Applications Engineering or Software Development, or 1+ year with a Master's degree or PhD.
  • Experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python.
  • At least 1 year of experience with debugging techniques.

Responsibilities

  • Debug and resolve issues on Linux/Android platforms for system stability and functionality.
  • Customize Linux drivers for Qualcomm ASICs based on customer needs.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of products.
  • Engage in developing Boot SW drivers and resolving stability issues in a customer engineering team.
  • Provide hands-on support for customer issues and perform root cause analysis.

Benefits

  • Access to a competitive annual discretionary bonus program.
  • Opportunities for annual RSU grants.
  • Comprehensive benefits package supporting work-life balance.
  • Commitment to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Full Job Description
General Summary:

As a Linux Peripheral Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, and customer support of peripheral subsystems on Qualcomm platforms. This role focuses on USB and low-speed peripheral interfaces such as I2C, I3C, SPI, as well as MIPI-based protocols, enabling robust connectivity and functionality across customer products.

You will work closely with customers to review peripheral bus requirements, analyze system-level use cases, and translate those requirements into software design and implementation. The role involves hands-on kernel and driver development, debugging, and optimization in Linux and Android environments, as well as on-site customer support to bring-up, validate, and resolve peripheral-related issues on development platforms.

You will be involved in customizing, enabling, and optimizing Qualcomm software for customer programs, supporting new hardware bring-up, and troubleshooting complex protocol-level issues across USB, QUP-based peripherals, and MIPI interfaces. Strong collaboration with hardware, architecture, validation, and customer engineering teams is expected.

The ideal candidate has strong C/C++ programming skills, solid experience with Linux kernel and device driver development, and deep familiarity with peripheral protocols and buses. The candidate should be self-driven, capable of owning customer issues end-to-end, and comfortable working across global teams while delivering documentation, training, and technical guidance to customers.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Applications Engineering, Software Development experience, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Applications Engineering, Software Development experience, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• 1+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
• 1+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with debugging techniques.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
  • 3+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with debugging techniques.
  • Proven experience as a Linux Kernel Engineer or similar role.
  • Strong knowledge of Linux kernel architecture and build tools.
  • Strong understanding of Computer Architecture - Caches, Bus, Memory is required.
  • Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • The preferred candidate should have knowledge in the following areas:
  • Camera, Display, AR/VR, Video, Graphics, BSP software
  • Strong understanding of system performance tuning and optimization.
  • Extensive experience with Linux kernel development, debugging, and profiling tools.
  • Proficiency in programming with real-time operating systems or microkernels, particularly on ARM architectures or Qualcomm's Hexagon microprocessor.
  • Advanced C/C++ programming skills with a minimum of 3 years of experience in embedded software systems. Experience in creating or managing software build environments using tools such as Make, CMake, and Git.
  • Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python).
  • Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Familiarity with specific Linux distributions and their kernel customization processes (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Rocky Linux).


Physical Requirements
  • Frequently transports between offices, buildings, and campuses up to ½ mile.
  • Frequently transports and installs equipment up to 5 lbs.
  • Performs required tasks at various heights (e.g., standing or sitting).
  • Monitors and utilizes computers and test equipment for more than 6 hours a day.
  • Continuous communication which includes the comprehension of information with colleagues, customers, and vendors both in person and remotely.


Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$123,900.00 - $185,900.00

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 Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Senior Linux Peripheral Software Engineer (Onsite at our Santa Clara Office) jobs: