Staff Software Engineer, Qualcomm AI Runtime

MaC VC; Markham; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Canada ULC is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to design and develop high-performance software for the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK, enabling GenAI and Agentic AI capabilities on-device. You will optimize model execution on Hexagon DSPs and lead feature development across a global team.

The role emphasizes low-latency, power-efficient inference and collaboration with OEMs to deploy advanced DNNs on diverse platforms, including mobile devices and automotive systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE with 4+ years of related engineering experience.
• Master's degree with 3+ years, or PhD with 2+ years of related work experience.
• Experience with modern C++17, multithreading, and embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance software using C++17 for the Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK.
• Optimize GenAI model execution on-device leveraging Hexagon DSPs for latency and power.
• Lead new features development for Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK and collaborate with global teams.
• Lead discussions on system/model deployment designs for GenAI models.
• Work with cross compiler toolchains for Android, embedded Linux, Windows on Snapdragon, QNX.
• Implement and optimize ML operations using modern C++17 on Hexagon DSP systems.
• Contribute to GenAI workflows for chip design and system analysis.
• Participate in software quality process improvements.

Skills

C++17

Multithreading

Software design

Algorithms

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

Master's degree in CS/CE/EE

PhD in CS/EE/IS

Tools

Hexagon DSP SDK

Cross compiler toolchains

Jira

Git

TensorFlow

PyTorch

ONNX

Job description

Company

Qualcomm Canada ULC

Job Area

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Engineering

General Summary

Staff Software Engineer – Qualcomm AI Runtime

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.
• OR
• 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.
• OR
• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.

Applicants

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail [e-mail] or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).

Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.