Qualcomm

Sr. Staff / Principal Software Engineer - Linux Kernel & ARM Server Platforms

Qualcomm$180K — $271K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with at least 4-6 years of relevant work experience; PhD candidates are also encouraged to apply.
  • 3+ years of experience with programming languages like C, C++, Java, or Python.
  • 12+ years of overall experience in system software or firmware for high-performance systems is preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in Linux kernel development is highly favored.
  • Familiarity with ARM architectures and industry standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Lead system-level technical initiatives for ARM server SoCs across Linux kernel and firmware.
  • Define and influence architectural guidelines across hardware, firmware, and operating system boundaries.
  • Drive performance optimizations and development of platform drivers for server systems.
  • Collaborate with teams to identify architectural risks and optimization opportunities.
  • Oversee boot flows, firmware management, and virtualization support.
  • Ensure operating systems leverage new architectural features for Qualcomm server platforms.
  • Mentor senior engineers and serve as a technical authority in firmware domains.

Benefits

  • Competitive annual discretionary bonus program.
  • Opportunity for annual Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) grants.
  • Comprehensive benefits package supporting work-life balance.
  • Support for your success at work, home, and play.
Full Job Description
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering

General Summary:

Qualcomm is seeking a Sr. Staff / Principal-level Software Engineer to provide system-level technical leadership for next-generation ARM server platforms. This role spans Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software, with responsibility for shaping architecture, guiding cross-functional execution, and ensuring production-quality delivery for hyperscale datacenter environments.

This role works across silicon, firmware, OS, and performance teams to enable high-performance ARM server SoCs, optimize system software, and ensure compliance with industry platform standards.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide system-level technical leadership across Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software for ARM server SoCs.
  • Define and guide architecture across HW ↔ FW ↔ OS ↔ hypervisor boundaries using standards such as ACPI, UEFI, SystemReady, SBSA/SBBR, and PSCI.
  • Drive Linux kernel enablement, performance optimizations, and platform drivers for high-performance server platforms.
  • Collaborate with silicon, performance, RAS, security, and platform teams to identify optimization opportunities and architectural risks.
  • Guide boot flows, runtime firmware, power and performance management, virtualization, memory, PCIe, and telemetry enablement.
  • Ensure operating systems run efficiently on Qualcomm server platforms and evolve to support new architectural features.
  • Review designs and implementations to ensure scalability, robustness, and production readiness.
  • Influence SoC and platform roadmaps through system-level analysis and technical leadership.
  • Mentor senior engineers and serve as a technical authority across firmware and system software domains.


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:

  • 12+ years of experience in system software, firmware, or platform software for high-performance or server-class systems.
  • 10+ years of hands-on Linux kernel development experience.
  • Strong understanding of modern server architectures and the HW/SW interface.
  • Proficiency in C and low-level systems programming (assembly is a plus).
  • Experience with firmware, boot loaders, and pre- and post-silicon debug environments.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives without direct authority.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering teams and senior leadership.
  • Master's degree or equivalent industry experience.
  • 15+ years of experience building production software stacks for high-performance or datacenter platforms.
  • Experience delivering production server SoCs or hyperscale platforms.
  • Familiarity with ARM, OCP, or industry platform standards bodies.
  • Experience working with hyperscaler or large datacenter customers.


Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$180,600.00 - $271,000.00

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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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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