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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative work environment

Cutting-edge technology projects

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

A technology company based in Bengaluru is seeking an experienced Embedded Linux and Firmware Developer to design and maintain firmware and Linux-based software for next-generation CPU platforms. This role requires strong technical expertise in embedded systems, C/C++, and Linux internals, along with 10+ years of experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and continuously innovate in a dynamic environment. Candidates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in embedded bare-metal and Linux development.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Deep knowledge of Linux internals including drivers and kernel modules.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain Linux kernel modules and device drivers.
• Develop and maintain Board Support Packages (BSPs).
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to enable software stack.

Skills

C/C++ for embedded systems

Python

Shell scripting

Embedded toolchains

Linux internals

Debugging tools (GDB, JTAG)

Technical documentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Yocto

Android

Ubuntu

Git

Docker

Job description

Overview

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.

EEO and Accessibility

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. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to participate in the hiring process.

Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including security and other requirements regarding protection of confidential information to the extent permissible under applicable law.