Staff Software Engineer, Qualcomm AI Runtime

Qualcomm; Markham; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Canada ULC in Markham is seeking a Software Engineer to design high-performance C++17 software for on-device GenAI capabilities within the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK. You will optimize model execution on Hexagon DSPs and collaborate with global teams to deliver efficient inference across devices.

The role emphasizes strong software design, debugging, and cross-platform development, with direct impact on how users experience GenAI features on everyday devices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree preferred in related field.
• Experience with embedded software or middleware is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance software using modern C++17 for the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK.
• Optimize GenAI model execution on-device leveraging Hexagon DSPs for latency and power efficiency.
• Lead new features on the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK and collaborate with global cross-functional teams.
• Guide discussions on system and model deployment designs for GenAI models.

Skills

Modern C++17

Multithreading

Algorithms & Math

Embedded systems

Cross-compiler toolchains

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Hexagon DSP SDK

QNN/QAIRT

Jira & Git

Job description

Company:

Qualcomm Canada ULC

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Engineering

General Summary:

AI is revolutionizing how we solve complex, cross-domain challenges—and Generative AI (GenAI) and Agentic AI is at the forefront of this transformation. As part of the AI Software team, you will contribute to the development of the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK, empowering OEMs, and developers to deploy advanced deep neural networks (DNNs) on cutting-edge Qualcomm Hexagon DSP Systems.

In this role, your focus will be on design and development of software to enable GenAI and Agentic AI capabilities for on-device via Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK, enabling real-time, high-performance inference across diverse platforms—from smartphones and automotive systems to smart appliances. You will collaborate with developers and OEMs to optimize GenAI models for on-device inferencing capabilities. You will have the opportunity to show your passion for software design and development with your analytical, design, programming, and debugging skills.

Join us to shape the future of intelligent devices powered by GenAI—where your work will directly impact how users interact with technology in their daily lives.

New Headcount

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and develop high-performance software using model C++17 for the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK
• Design and develop impactful solutions to optimize GenAI model execution on-device, leveraging Hexagon DSPs for efficient inference latency and power.
• Lead new features development for Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK and collaborate with global cross functional team as part of the software development lifecycle
• Lead project discussions and analysis on system and model deployment designs for GenAI models
• Use cross compiler toolchains for embedded systems such as Android, embedded Linux, Windows on Snapdragon and QNX
• Implement and optimize Machine Learning operations using modern C++17 on Hexagon DSP systems
• Contribute to the development of tools and GenAI workflows for chip design, model and system analysis
• Participate in software quality process improvements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Six or more years of relevant work experience
• Experience with modern C++17 language features and C++ design patterns
• Background in mathematical algorithms using fast math libraries and vector instructions sets
• Practical experience with developing middleware or firmware software
• Experience with multitasking and multithreading driver development
• Experience with Hexagon DSP SDK or cross compiler toolchains for embedded systems and JIT technologies
• Experience with low level interactions between operating systems and hardware.
• Experience with Qualcomm FastRPC and Windows MCDM drivers
• Experience using/integrating Qualcomm AI Stack products (e.g. QNN, SNPE, QAIRT)
• Familiarity with TensorFlow, PyTorch or ONNX
• Experience with agile software development practices, Jira system and tools such as git
• Ability to collaborate and lead discussions across a globally diverse team

Education Requirements:

• Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
• Preferred: Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 4+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 3+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.

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