Qualcomm

Sr. Director, Engineering

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 10+ or 9+ years of experience respectively, or a PhD with 8+ years of experience.
  • 5-7 years of experience in software engineering leadership, specifically with complex semiconductor platforms emphasizing AI.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python with 4+ years of hands-on experience.
  • Deep understanding of AI/ML software systems and high-performance computing workloads.
  • Track record demonstrating cross-functional collaboration and successful project delivery.

Responsibilities

  • Lead software architecture and development for next-generation AI accelerator platform.
  • Define and roll out the software vision, architecture, and delivery strategy aligned with business goals.
  • Oversee engineering teams specializing in system software, firmware, and AI runtimes.
  • Drive integration of device drivers and kernel functionalities.
  • Establish performance optimization and benchmarking protocols for software stack.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineering teams for AI performance and efficiency enhancements.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and operational rigor among diverse teams.

Benefits

  • Competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunities for annual RSU grants.
  • Comprehensive benefits package supporting work-life balance, wellness, and personal development.
  • Mentorship and leadership development opportunities within high-performing teams.
  • Flexible work environment with potential for remote or hybrid arrangements.
Full Job Description
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering

General Summary:

Qualcomm is seeking an exceptional Senior Director, Software Engineering to lead software architecture, development, and execution for our next generation AI accelerator platform. This leader will own the end-to-end software strategy for a breakthrough AI compute architecture, spanning system software, runtimes, compilers, AI frameworks, SDKs, performance optimization, and developer enablement.

As the software leader for a flagship AI accelerator program, you will drive the vision, roadmap, and execution of a world-class software stack that enables cutting-edge generative AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing workloads across Datacenter applications. You will work closely with silicon architects, hardware design teams, AI framework, product management, ecosystem partners, and key customers to define and deliver differentiated platform capabilities that maximize hardware performance/efficiency as well as developer productivity.

This role requires a unique combination of deep technical expertise, organizational leadership, strategic thinking, and excellence in execution. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of leading large software teams on complex semiconductor platforms with an emphasis on AI.

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.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the software technical leader for Qualcomm's next generation AI accelerator platform.


  • Define and execute the current Datacenter software vision, architecture, roadmap, and delivery strategy aligned with product and business objectives for the new AI accelerator


  • Lead multiple engineering organizations responsible for:


  • System software and firmware design and development.


  • Device drivers and kernel integration


  • AI runtimes and execution engines with emphasis on graphs spanning multiple NPU.


  • Compiler technologies and graph optimization


  • ML frameworks and ecosystem enablement


  • Platform SDKs, APIs, tools, profiling, and debugging solutions


  • Performance optimization and benchmarking


  • Validation, quality, and release engineering


  • Partner with silicon architecture and hardware engineering teams to co-design hardware and software features that maximize AI performance, efficiency, programmability, and scalability.


  • Drive software readiness across all chip development milestones, including architecture definition, emulation, pre-silicon enablement, bring-up, validation, customer engagements, and production release.


  • Establish performance, power, reliability, and usability goals for the platform software stack.


  • Lead strategic engagements with key customers, hyperscalers, ecosystem partners and standards organizations.


  • Build, mentor, and scale high-performing engineering teams across multiple geographic locations.


  • Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, accountability, collaboration, and operational rigor.


  • Present program status, technical strategy, and key decisions to executive leadership.


Desired Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.


  • 15+ years of software engineering experience, including significant leadership responsibilities.


  • 8+ years of experience leading large, globally distributed engineering organizations.


  • Experience delivering software platforms for complex SoC, accelerator, GPU, NPU, CPU, DSP, datacenter, or high-performance computing products.


  • Deep expertise in one or more of the following:


  • AI/ML software stacks


  • Compiler technologies


  • Runtime systems


  • Operating systems


  • Distributed computing


  • High-performance computing


  • Heterogeneous computing architectures


  • Demonstrated success driving cross-functional execution involving hardware and software co-development.


  • Strong understanding of modern AI workloads in particular inference for large language models/serving frameworks, multimodal AI, recommendation systems, and generative AI applications.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, AI/ML, or related discipline.


  • Experience leading software development for AI accelerators, GPUs, NPUs, TPUs, or custom silicon platforms.


  • Expertise in compiler technologies such as MLIR, LLVM or similar frameworks.


  • Experience with AI frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, ONNX, Mojo, Triton or equivalent ecosystems.


  • Strong understanding of accelerator memory hierarchies, interconnects, parallel programming models, and performance optimization.


  • Expertise in compiler technologies such as Triton, MLIR, LLVM or similar frameworks


  • Experience supporting hyperscale cloud deployments and enterprise AI infrastructure.


  • Track record of delivering industry-leading developer platforms and software ecosystems.


  • Publications, patents, or recognized technical leadership in AI systems or high-performance computing.


Leadership Characteristics

  • Visionary technology leader with the ability to define and execute transformative platform strategies.


  • Exceptional communicator capable of influencing executive stakeholders, customers, and engineering teams.


  • Strong systems thinker who can balance technical innovation, customer needs, and business priorities.


  • Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain world-class engineering talent.


  • Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and deliver results in highly complex environments.


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.

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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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