Audio/Edge AI Silicon Validation and Firmware Engineer

Qualcomm; Markham; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in semiconductor technology seeks an embedded Firmware Engineer to join the Low-power Audio team. You will be responsible for validating and developing innovative audio solutions as part of a multidisciplinary team, engaging with advanced DSP technology. This position demands strong experience in firmware development and a solid understanding of embedded systems and ASIC validation.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of ASIC-related experience for Bachelor's degree holders.
• 2+ years of relevant experience for PhD holders.
• Understanding of embedded system design and real-time OS experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• ASIC silicon bring-up and validation of audio IP core.
• Develop and execute functional test/validation plans for blocks and subsystems.
• Collaborate across teams to debug and resolve issues.

Skills

Embedded firmware development

Programming/Scripting (C, Assembly, Python)

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Lab equipment

Debugging tools

Job description

Company:

Qualcomm Canada ULC

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > ASICS Engineering

General Summary:

Join the Low-power Audio team to develop Next Generation Audio and AI processing, essential for advanced voice and audio features in mobile, automotive, and IoT markets.

The Audio and AI subsystem handles high-fidelity audio across various interfaces and includes smart voice assistant hardware accelerators that are contextually aware, powered by a dedicated DSP for efficient operation across power states.

We seek an embedded Firmware Engineer interested in validating and developing low-power audio and AI solutions. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and be responsible for silicon validation and reference firmware development for next-gen audio IP cores.

Key Responsibilities:

• ASIC silicon bring-up and validation of audio IP core, DSP, interfaces (I2S, PCM, SLIMbus, SoundWire, Audio Codec), and accelerators (AI/ML inference).
• Develop and execute functional test/validation plans for blocks and full subsystems/SoC.
• Use lab equipment to validate audio IP blocks and interfaces.
• Collaborate with design, verification, hardware architecture, and software teams across geographies to debug and resolve issues.
• Create procedures and automate tests to enhance validation processes.
• Test and debug on ASIC platforms and FPGA emulation systems.
• Analyze and validate performance specifications and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field with 4+ years of ASIC-related experience, or
• Master's degree with 3+ years, or
• PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience.

Additional Requirements:

• 2+ years of embedded firmware development with C or related experience.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in programming/scripting (C, assembly, Python).
• Understanding of embedded system design (CPU, buses, caches).
• Experience with real-time OS, lab equipment, low-level CPU/DSP control, machine learning, debugging tools, and on-chip interconnects.
• Experience with source control, audio formats, and analytical skills.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. For accommodations, contact [e-mail]. We value diversity and are committed to an accessible hiring process.