Qualcomm

Staff Linux Software Engineer (Multiple Locations)

Qualcomm$134K — $202K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field with 4+ or 3+ years of experience respectively, or a PhD with 2+ years of experience.
  • 2+ years of experience in C, C++, Java, or Python programming languages.
  • Extensive experience in Linux system software development and modern C/C++.
  • Strong understanding of multi-threading, synchronization, and Linux internals.
  • Proven ability to work at both low-detail implementation and system-level perspectives.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize Linux user-space and kernel-adjacent drivers in C++.
  • Lead the development of software stacks for high-performance AI inference.
  • Drive API design and scalable software architecture.
  • Integrate feature development across hardware and software systems.
  • Architect unit and integration tests for continuous integration environments.
  • Lead validation of host software performance and functionalities.
  • Resolve complex host-side system issues and optimize for low-latency performance.

Benefits

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

General Summary:

Qualcomm Data Center is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to lead development of Linux-based system software for next-generation datacenter. This role focuses on host-side software, drivers, and system integration for Qualcomm's high-performance inference accelerators.

As a Staff Engineer, you will own complex subsystems end-to-end, drive architectural decisions, and provide technical leadership across software, hardware, and platform teams. Your work will span driver development, test infrastructure, performance optimization, security enablement, and product commercialization, with a strong emphasis on robust, production-ready system software.

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.

Key Responsibilities

Host & System Software Development
  • Design, implement, and optimize Linux user-space and kernel-adjacent drivers and libraries in modern C++.
  • Lead development of host software stacks supporting high-performance AI inference and secure compute workloads.
  • Drive API design, multi-threaded systems, and scalable software architectures.
  • Own feature development, integration, and bring-up across hardware and software boundaries.


Testing, Quality & CI
  • Architect and develop unit, integration, and system-level tests for CI environments.
  • Lead functional and performance validation of host software and drivers.
  • Establish best practices for testability, automation, and long-term maintainability.


Performance, Debug & Bring-Up
  • Debug complex host-side issues including boot flows, PCIe link behavior, log transfer, and overflow handling.
  • Optimize host software for AI inference performance and low-latency workloads.
  • Use advanced debugging, tracing, and profiling tools on Linux platforms.


Technical Leadership & Collaboration
  • Provide technical leadership across mixed hardware/software teams.
  • Drive design reviews, influence system architecture, and mentor senior engineers.
  • Work closely with hardware, firmware, hypervisor, security, and cloud teams to deliver end-to-end solutions.
  • Support customer deployments and resolve complex system-level issues.Required Skills and Experience
  • Extensive experience with Linux system software development in modern C/C++.
  • Strong background in Linux user-space development, API design, and multi-threading / synchronization.
  • Solid understanding of Linux internals, kernel concepts, drivers, and system bring-up.
  • Experience with UML, OO design, and large-scale software architecture.
  • Strong knowledge of SoC architecture (cores, caches, memory hierarchy, interconnects, I/O).
  • Experience with source code and configuration management (git required).
  • Proven ability to work at low-level implementation detail while maintaining system-level perspective.
  • Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
  • Comfortable operating in a high-caliber, cross-disciplinary engineering environment


Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with virtualization and container technologies (KVM, Docker, SR-IOV).
  • Experience optimizing AI/ML inference workloads on system software stacks.
  • Proficiency in Python for tooling, testing, or automation.
  • Experience with C/C++ unit testing frameworks (e.g., gtest).
  • Exposure to cloud technologies, middleware, and protocols.
  • Working knowledge of PCIe 3.0+.
  • Linux system administration experience.
  • Linux kernel development experience.
  • Contributions to open-source kernel or confidential computing projects.


Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$134,800.00 - $202,200.00

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.

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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.

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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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