5G/6G Modem Software Engineer

Nutanix; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. in San Diego is seeking a modem software engineer to design and optimize firmware powering LTE, 5G-Advanced, and early 6G stacks across the Snapdragon portfolio.

You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure real-time performance on QuRT and other RTOS, implementing robust testing and bringing up new modem features for OEM and operator partners. This role emphasizes strong C/C++ design, embedded systems expertise, and a passion for advancing wireless

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 1–2 years of academic or industry experience in C/C++ programming.
• Foundational knowledge of embedded systems, RTOS, and algorithms.
• Familiarity with 3GPP 5G NR / LTE concepts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, debug, and optimize modem firmware/software for LTE, 5G-Advanced protocol stack layers and early 6G prototyping.
• Develop and maintain real-time embedded software on RTOS (QuRT) with latency/throughput constraints.
• Collaborate with systems, architecture, and hardware teams on modem bring-up and performance optimization.
• Write and maintain unit/integration tests and automation scripts for quality.
• Participate in code reviews, design discussions and technical documentation.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Real-time embedded systems

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering / CS / Electrical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

QuRT

FreeRTOS

ThreadX

Zephyr

Job description

Company:Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Job Area:Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Technologies SoftwareGeneral Summary:Qualcomm Technologies (QCT) is the world's leading innovator in wireless connectivity and intelligent computing, powering the devices and infrastructure at the heart of the 5G era. Our Snapdragon platforms — spanning smartphones, automotive, IoT, and XR — integrate advanced 5G modem-RF systems with on-device AI to deliver breakthrough experiences at the connected intelligent edge. QCT partners with 100+ network operators worldwide and maintains the industry's largest modem engineering organization, driving the standards and technologies behind 5G-Advanced and the path toward 6G.As a member of the Modem SW team, you will design and develop modem software that powers 5G/6G NR connectivity across Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset portfolio. You will work across protocol stack layers (L1/L2/L3) to implement 3GPP-compliant features, develop real-time scheduling and resource management algorithms, and use custom scripting languages to dynamically reconfigure the modem in response to real-time network conditions, device states, and AI-driven optimization signals. You will also architect next-generation frameworks that enable our OEM and operator partners to deliver differentiated 5G experiences. Your work will directly influence how billions of devices connect, communicate, and leverage on-device intelligence.We are looking for engineers with a strong foundation in C/C++ software design and real-time embedded systems, deep understanding of wireless communication principles, a sharp problem-solving mindset, and a passion for shaping the future of wireless connectivity and AI-powered communications.Minimum Qualifications:• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, debug, and optimize modem firmware/software for LTE, 5G-Advanced protocol stack layers and early 6G research prototypingDevelop and maintain real-time embedded software on proprietary RTOS (QuRT) with strict latency and throughput constraintsCollaborate with systems, architecture, and hardware teams on modem bring-up, integration, and performance optimizationAnalyze and resolve complex field issues, interoperability problems, and network-specific behaviors using protocol logs, trace tools, and debuggersWrite and maintain unit tests, integration tests, and automation scripts to ensure software qualityParticipate in code reviews, design discussions and technical documentationMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Communication Engineering, or a related field1–2 years of academic or industry experience in C/C++ programmingFoundational understanding of embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and data structures & algorithmsBasic knowledge of wireless communication concepts (OFDM, MIMO, channel coding) or digital signal processing fundamentalsPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Communication, or Wireless Communications2+ years of industry experience in embedded software development for wireless/telecom systemsExperience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as QuRT, FreeRTOS, ThreadX, or ZephyrStrong software design and object-oriented design/implementation skills (design patterns, SOLID principles)Working knowledge of 3GPP 5G NR / LTE specifications (TS 38.xxx / TS 36.xxx series)Experience with modem protocol stack development, state machines, or wireless protocol implementationFamiliarity with AI/ML fundamentals and interest in applying machine learning to modem optimization (e.g., adaptive scheduling, predictive resource management, beam prediction, link adaptation)Understanding of scripting or domain-specific languages for system configuration and modem parametrizationExperience with debugging and performance profiling in embedded environments (JTAG, Trace32/Lauterbach, QXDM, log analysis tools)Familiarity with version control systems (Git/Perforce), CI/CD pipelines, and Agile development practicesKnowledge of multi-threading, concurrency, inter-process communication, and memory management in resource-constrained environmentsExperience with simulation/emulation environments or lab equipmentQualcomm 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).To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.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.Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits :$114,500.00 - $171,700.00The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link .If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .