Senior Engineer/Lead - Layer 1 (PHY) Firmware Engineer – 5G NR gNodeB

Qualcomm; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Disability accommodations available

Job summary

Qualcomm in Hyderabad is hiring a staff-level Layer-1 Firmware Engineer to focus on 5G NR gNodeB Firmware, emphasizing PHY development, real-time performance, and high-performance wireless software.

This role involves developing and maintaining firmware, optimizing algorithms, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. A background in LTE/5G and strong C/C++ skills are essential.

Join Qualcomm to work on cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of strong experience in Layer-1 / PHY firmware development.
• Hands-on experience with LTE and/or 5G NR.
• Solid understanding of 3GPP PHY specifications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Layer-1 (PHY) firmware for 5G NR gNodeB.
• Implement and optimize signal processing algorithms.
• Debug complex PHY-level and real-time issues.

Skills

Layer-1 / PHY firmware development

C/C++ programming skills

Real-time or embedded systems experience

LTE and/or 5G NR knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

Embedded Linux

RTOS

DSP-based systems

Job description

General Summary

We are hiring an experienced staff level – Layer‑1 (Physical Layer) Firmware Engineer to work on 5G NR gNodeB Firmware. This role focuses on PHY development on the DU side, building high‑performance, real‑time wireless software used in modern cellular networks.

You will work closely with PHY, RF, platform, and system teams to develop and optimize carrier‑grade NR PHY features.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and maintain Layer‑1 (PHY) firmware for 5G NR gNodeB
• Work on uplink and downlink PHY channels, including:
  • PUSCH
  • PDSCH
  • PUCCH
  • PDCCH
  • PRACH
  • SRS
  • SSB
• Implement and optimize signal processing algorithms such as:
  • Channel estimation and equalization
  • HARQ processing
  • MIMO and beamforming
• Work on FEC processing:
  • Turbo coding/decoding (LTE)
  • LDPC and Polar coding/decoding (5G NR)
• Optimize real‑time performance for latency and throughput
• Integrate PHY software with MAC, RF, and hardware platforms
• Debug complex PHY‑level and real‑time issues

Required Skills

• 5-8 years of strong experience in Layer‑1 / PHY firmware development
• Hands‑on experience with LTE and/or 5G NR
• Solid understanding of 3GPP PHY specifications
• Strong C/C++ programming skills
• Experience working on real‑time or embedded systems
• Good understanding of:
  • OFDM / SC‑FDMA
  • Numerologies and frame structures
  • HARQ and link adaptation

Nice to Have

• Experience with gNodeB / eNodeB PHY software
• Exposure to FAPI / nFAPI or similar PHY‑MAC interfaces
• Experience with massive MIMO or beamforming
• Knowledge of O‑RAN or split‑PHY architectures
• Background in DSP or wireless signal processing
• Experience with NB‑IoT, NTN, or advanced NR PHY features

Tools & Technologies

• Programming: C, C++
• Platforms: Embedded Linux, RTOS, DSP‑based systems
• Standards: 3GPP LTE & 5G NR
• Domains: PHY, real‑time systems, wireless signal processing

Why Join Us

• Work on cutting‑edge 5G NR technology
• Build performance‑critical PHY software used in real networks
• Collaborate with highly experienced wireless and systems engineers
• Opportunity to work on next‑generation RAN architectures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of 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 disability‑[e-mail] or call Qualcomm's toll‑free number. Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able to participate in the hiring process.

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.

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.