Embedded Linux & Firmware Developer (Staff/Sr Staff) – Custom CPU Post-Silicon Team

Qualcomm; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking an experienced Embedded Linux and Firmware Developer in Bengaluru, India. You will be responsible for designing and maintaining Linux-based software stacks and bare-metal firmware for custom CPU platforms. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in embedded systems, kernel development, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
• Experience with embedded Linux distributions and build systems.
• Strong proficiency in interpreting hardware schematics.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain Linux kernel modules.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to enable software stack on silicon.
• Analyze system performance and reliability.

Skills

C/C++ for embedded systems

Linux development

Python

shell scripting

debugging tools (GDB, JTAG)

technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Yocto

Docker

Git

Job description

Overview

Job Area: Engineering Group, Hardware Engineering

Company: Qualcomm India Private Limited

Qualcomm’s Custom CPU Post-Silicon team is seeking an experienced Embedded Linux and Firmware Developer to help shape the future of high-performance computing. In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain bare-metal firmware and Linux-based software stacks for our next-generation custom CPU platforms.

What You’ll Work On

• Firmware & Kernel Development: Design, implement, optimize and maintain Linux kernel modules, device drivers, bootloaders, and bare-metal firmware for custom CPU-based embedded hardware and emulation platforms.
• Board Support Packages (BSP): Develop and maintain BSPs for new and existing hardware platforms, including bootloaders, kernel configuration and device tree
• Hardware Bring-Up: Collaborate with hardware engineers to enable software stack on silicon and emulation platforms, debug hardware-software interactions, and ensure seamless integration.
• System Optimization: Analyze and resolve issues related to system performance, memory usage, power consumption, and reliability.
• Debug & Troubleshoot: Diagnose complex technical issues across embedded Linux OS, drivers, and high-level operating systems (Ubuntu, Android, Yocto).
• Open-Source Strategy: Provide architectural guidance and establish processes for open-source software delivery, including CI/CD pipelines and testing frameworks.
• Continuous Innovation: Stay current with Linux development trends and emerging open-source technologies.
• Documentation: Create clear technical documentation for designs, code, and test procedures.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with hardware, software, and product teams to define requirements and deliver high-quality integrated solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
• OR Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.
• OR PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.

What You Bring

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: Strong (10+ years) in embedded bare-metal and Linux development.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
  • Experience with Python, shell scripting, CMake, and embedded toolchains.
  • Solid understanding of ARM SoC/CPU architecture.
  • Deep knowledge of Linux internals (drivers, kernel modules, device tree, scheduler, DVFS, power management).
  • Experience with embedded Linux distributions and build systems (Yocto, Android, Ubuntu).
  • Hands-on experience with debugging tools (GDB, JTAG, oscilloscopes).
  • Ability to interpret hardware schematics and datasheets.
  • Knowledge of hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet, CAN, GPIO).
  • Experience with Git, GitHub/GitLab, CI/CD, Docker.
  • Strong technical documentation skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Linux kernel upstream process.
• Chip/SoC bring-up on silicon, emulation, and simulation platforms.
• ARMv8/ARMv9 architecture and ARM assembly language expertise.
• Exposure to RISC-V architecture.
• Familiarity with open-source bootloaders and firmware (UEFI EDK2, coreboot, U-Boot, LK, TF-A, Zephyr RTOS).

Why Join Qualcomm?

You’ll work on cutting-edge CPU platforms, collaborate with world-class engineers, and contribute to innovations that power modern computing. If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges and shaping next-generation embedded systems, we want you on our team.

Applicant notice: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, 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 participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities.

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.

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