Lead Engineer, Senior - Linux Software APSS Image Integration

Qualcomm; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm India Private Limited in Hyderabad seeks an experienced Linux software integration lead to drive end-to-end delivery across kernel, BSP, and middleware. You will align multi-disciplinary teams and ensure upstream-friendly practices while delivering scalable Linux solutions for SoCs.

The role emphasizes technical ownership, platform bring-up, and cross-functional coordination with silicon, software, and validation groups in a global environment.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Linux kernel internals including drivers, power, memory, scheduling and security.
• Hands-on embedded Linux BSP development experience.
• Proficient with Yocto/OWRT, Device Tree and bootloaders (UEFI/U-Boot).
• Experience with ARM-based SoCs and hardware bring-up.

Responsibilities

• Own technical planning, execution, and delivery of Linux software milestones across platform bring-up.
• Drive BSP and platform enablement for SoCs, including bootloader, kernel, device tree, drivers, and root filesystem.
• Ensure alignment with mainline kernel, upstream-first and open development models where applicable.
• Act as the single technical owner connecting kernel, Yocto/build, middleware, validation, security, and customer teams.
• Coordinate with SoC, firmware, hardware, and power/performance teams to resolve platform-level issues.
• Drive execution across geographically distributed teams and stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance on Linux kernel, Device Tree, Yocto, and boot flows (UEFI/U-Boot).
• Review architecture decisions for scalability, reuse, and upstream compatibility.

Skills

Linux kernel internals

Embedded Linux BSP

Yocto/OWRT

Device Tree

Bootloaders

Debugging tools

ARM-based SoCs

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Information Systems/Computer Science or related field

Master's degree in Engineering/Information Systems/Computer Science or related field

PhD in Engineering/Information Systems/Computer Science or related field

Job description

Company

Qualcomm India Private Limited

Job Area

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering

General Summary

The Linux Software APSS image integration lead is responsible for end-to-end technical execution and delivery of Linux-based software platforms, working across kernel, BSP, middleware, and system integration layers. This role acts as the technical integrator and execution owner, driving cross-functional alignment between silicon, software, validation, and product teams to deliver high-quality, scalable Linux solutions aligned with upstream and open-source best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Relevant experience – 6 to 9 years.

Technical Program Execution

• Own technical planning, execution, and delivery of Linux software milestones across platform bring-up, stabilization, and releases.
• Drive BSP and platform enablement for SoCs, including bootloader, kernel, device tree, drivers, and root filesystem.
• Ensure alignment with mainline kernel, upstream-first, and open development models where applicable.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the single technical point of ownership connecting kernel, Yocto/build, middleware (RDKB, OWRT, PRPL), validation, security, and customer teams.
• Coordinate with SoC, firmware, hardware, and power/performance teams to resolve platform-level issues.
• Drive execution across geographically distributed teams and stakeholders.

Architecture & Technical Oversight

• Provide technical guidance on:
  • Linux kernel (drivers, power management, security, virtualization)
  • Device Tree / overlays
  • Yocto Project / build systems
  • Platform boot flows (UEFI, U-Boot, fastboot)
• Review architecture decisions for scalability, reuse, and upstream compatibility.

Quality & Release Management

• Define and track feature readiness, risks, and quality metrics across releases.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of system-level issues (boot, stability, performance, CVEs).
• Ensure timely delivery of release artifacts, documentation, and hand-offs.

Open Source & Upstream Engagement

• Promote and enforce upstream-first and open-source compliance practices.
• Review patches for upstream quality, licensing, and maintainability.
• Engage with open-source communities as required.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support internal and external customers with technical reviews, issue triage, and roadmap alignment.
• Translate customer and product requirements into clear technical execution plans.
• Present status, risks, and technical trade-offs to leadership and stakeholders.

Technical Skills

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Linux kernel internals (drivers, power, memory, scheduling, security).
• Hands-on experience with embedded Linux BSP development.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Yocto/OWRT Project / BitBake
  • Device Tree (DTS/DTB, overlays)
  • Bootloaders (UEFI, U-Boot)
  • Debugging tools (ftrace, perf, gdb, crash, JTAG)
• Experience with ARM-based SoCs and hardware bring-up.

Project & Execution Skills

• Proven ability to drive complex, multi-team technical programs.
• Strong execution mindset with experience managing dependencies, risks, and milestones.
• Ability to balance engineering depth with delivery deadlines.

Soft Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working with senior engineers, architects, and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to influence without authority and resolve conflicts pragmatically.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mainline Linux development or upstream contributions.
• Exposure to virtualization (KVM, Xen, Gunyah) or containers.
• Experience with security hardening, CVE management, and compliance.
• Prior experience as a Tech Lead, System Lead, or Project Engineer for platform software.

Success Metrics

• On-time delivery of Linux platform milestones and releases.
• Platform stability, quality, and upstream alignment.
• Reduction in integration issues and late-cycle surprises.

Strong cross-team trust and execution predictability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of academic or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

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.