Qualcomm

Senior Staff Engineer

Qualcomm$162K — $244K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 6+ years of software engineering experience.
  • Master's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 5+ years of software engineering experience.
  • PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 4+ years of software engineering experience.
  • 3+ years experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python.
  • Deep expertise in embedded Linux systems, including kernel development and Yocto-based build systems.

Responsibilities

  • Own the platform software stack from boot to production for automotive telematics systems.
  • Architect boot and recovery solutions including fail-safe mechanisms and over-the-air updates.
  • Contribute to platform security, conducting threat analysis and assessing risks of key features.
  • Lead optimization efforts for boot-time and memory footprints in line with customer commitments.
  • Help design configurations integrating third-party processors with modems over various interfaces.
  • Plan and manage kernel and Yocto upgrade roadmaps amid feature demands and launch timelines.
  • Mentor team members in boot, security, memory, and virtualization while setting technical direction.

Benefits

  • Annual discretionary bonus program.
  • Opportunity for annual RSU grants.
  • Comprehensive benefits package supporting work, home, and leisure.
  • Potential for career growth in a large organization with diverse projects.
Full Job Description
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering

About the role You'll be the senior technical authority for the embedded Linux platform software powering automotive telematics systems - owning architecture and execution across boot, security, memory, and virtualization, from silicon bring-up through production launch with global automakers.

What you'll do
  • Own the platform software stack end to end across multiple telematics chipset generations, from initial bring-up through commercialization and long-term sustaining support
  • Architect boot and recovery solutions, including fail-safe and dual-image recovery paths, over-the-air update flows, and NAND/eMMC storage support
  • Contribute to platform security work - mandatory access control, verified boot, disk integrity verification, and full-disk encryption - and drive automotive cybersecurity threat analysis and risk assessment for key features
  • Set and defend boot-time and memory footprint targets, leading cross-team optimization efforts against firm customer commitments
  • Help architect fusion configurations integrating third-party application processors with cellular modems over PCIe, USB, and Ethernet
  • Plan kernel and Yocto upgrade roadmaps and release trains, balancing launch commitments against ongoing feature demand
  • Ensure automotive software process compliance for all new platform feature development
  • Help translate customer requirements into platform features and build configurations
  • Mentor engineers across boot, security, memory, and virtualization domains, and set technical direction ahead of market demand


In this role, you will help develop next-generation Automotive Telematics products. Working with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs, and industry partners, you will apply your system software expertise, coding skills, and problem-solving abilities to deliver innovative solutions. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across multiple locations to design, develop, and drive system solutions through commercialization.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Deep expertise in embedded Linux systems software, including kernel development, bootloaders, Yocto-based build systems, and board bring-up
  • Proven track record of optimizing boot time and memory footprint on resource-constrained embedded platforms
  • Strong knowledge of embedded security and automotive cybersecurity standards
  • Experience delivering software to automotive OEMs within formal development, quality, and process frameworks
  • Ability to provide technical leadership across teams without direct authority and successfully drive cross-organizational commitments
  • Solid knowledge of system software and platform-level debugging, including pre-silicon and SoC bring-up
  • Experience with industry-standard software development tools, including debuggers, code revision systems (Git, Perforce), IDEs, and build tools
  • Experience with Linux kernel device driver development
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
  • Excellent programming skills in C, C++, Assembly, and scripting languages
  • Experience working with AI-based software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices
  • Experience working in large organizations
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent planning, time management, decision-making, presentation, and organizational skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Communications, or Computer Science Engineering; Master's degree preferred
  • 13+ years of software engineering experience or related industry experience, with strong C/C++ programming expertise.


Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$162,600.00 - $244,000.00

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.

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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.

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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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