Qualcomm

Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Automotive Platforms

Qualcomm • $141K — $211K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 4+ years of experience, or equivalent graduate degree with less experience.
  • 2+ years of programming experience in languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python.
  • Strong expertise in device driver and bare-metal software development.
  • Knowledge of hardware interfaces and protocols like SPI and USB.
  • Proficiency with debugging tools like Lauterbach Trace32 and JTAG debuggers.
  • Familiarity with Automotive peripherals and lab equipment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain bare-metal firmware and device drivers for hardware validation.
  • Perform debugging of new boards and chipsets across hardware and firmware.
  • Implement test firmware for validation and factory tests.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address integration issues.
  • Analyze failures using schematics and lab instrumentation to resolve problems.
  • Support various platforms by adapting software to different configurations.
  • Mentor junior engineers and guide them in embedded software development.

Benefits

  • Competitive annual discretionary bonus program.
  • Opportunity for annual RSU grants.
  • Highly competitive benefits package to support work-life balance.
Full Job Description
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering

General Summary:

Qualcomm's Automotive Platform Systems team designs and delivers reference platforms used for post-silicon validation, software development, and high-volume production test of Qualcomm Automotive chipsets. These highly integrated reference designs incorporate our high-performance SoCs and a wide range of digital and analog peripherals required to showcase our performance in use cases for both Snapdragon Cockpit In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) and Snapdragon Ride Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) applications.

The APS Software team is composed of embedded software engineers with deep expertise in low-level device drivers, firmware, and hardware/software interfaces. The team develops bare-metal software and validation firmware used to bring up, test, and validate Qualcomm reference platforms. Work is performed in a fast-paced, hands-on environment that directly supports hardware design validation, factory test enablement, and early platform bring-up across multiple global sites.

This role requires strong technical depth in low-level embedded software development and close collaboration with hardware, silicon, and systems teams. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated problem solver who can work both independently and as part of a globally distributed team.

Technical Skills and Experience:

  • Strong expertise in device driver and bare-metal software development, including register-level programming, GPIO configuration, and hardware bring-up.
  • Working knowledge of hardware interfaces and protocols including SPI, USB, I2C/I3C, I2S, PCIe, UART, UFS, DP, MIPI CSI/DSI, CAN, and Ethernet.
  • Proficiency with debug and bring-up tools such as Lauterbach Trace32 and JTAG-based debuggers.
  • Experience with common Automotive peripherals such as ASIL-D Microcontrollers, CAN Transceivers, Camera/Display SerDes, PCIe Switches, Ethernet Swtiches and PHYs.
  • Hands-on experience using lab equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and bench power supplies.
  • Solid understanding of ARM and/or RISC-V processor architectures.
  • Experience using software revision control systems such as Perforce.
  • Ability to interpret datasheets, hardware design documents, schematics, and CCA drawings.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate effectively with international teams.

Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain bare-metal firmware and low-level device drivers to enable bring-up and validation of Qualcomm Automotive reference platforms.
  • Perform early hardware bring-up and debug of new boards and chipsets, identifying issues across hardware, firmware, and system boundaries.
  • Implement and extend test firmware used for platform validation, manufacturing test, and factory enablement.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware design, silicon, systems, and validation teams to define requirements and resolve hardware/software integration issues.
  • Analyze failures using schematics, register traces, logic analyzer data, and lab instrumentation, and drive issues to resolution.
  • Support multiple platforms and hardware variants, adapting software to different configurations and use cases.
  • Contribute to code reviews, documentation, and best practices for low-level embedded software development.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on embedded software, debugging techniques, and platform bring-up.
  • Participate in cross-site and cross-functional reviews, providing clear technical communication and status updates.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
    OR
    Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
    OR
    PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
  • 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of experience in embedded systems development, device drivers, or firmware development.
  • 8+ years of hands-on experience with engineering lab tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and JTAG debuggers.
  • 8+ years of programming experience using languages such as C, C++, Python, Assembly, or similar.


Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$141,300.00 - $211,900.00

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

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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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