CPU Software Architecture Principal Engineer

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 192,600 - 289,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

RSU grants

Job summary

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. in San Diego seeks a senior software engineer for CPU software architecture on ARMv9, focusing on sub‑system feature architecture, enablement, and firmware development for flagship Qualcomm custom CPU products.

The role involves hardware‑software co‑design, system optimization, and firmware across ARMv9-based SoCs used in mobile, automotive, cloud, and servers. You will collaborate with hardware teams to define software architecture, develop embedded software, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering (or related) experience.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering (or related) experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering (or related) experience.
• 4+ years of work experience with programming languages such as C, C++ Java, Python, etc.

Responsibilities

• Apply software knowledge to design, develop, modify, and validate embedded and edge software, applications, and utility programs.
• Analyze user needs and software requirements to design and customize software for operational efficiency.
• Design and implement software modules for products and systems.
• Participate in design, coding of large features, unit testing, debugging, and integration to meet specifications and schedules.
• Perform code reviews, regression tests, triage issues, and refine fixes to ensure code quality.
• Collaborate with project team members to achieve objectives.
• Write technical documentation for software projects.

Skills

C

C++

Java

Python

Embedded systems

ARM

8+ years experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/IS

Master's degree in Engineering/CS/IS

PhD in Engineering/CS/IS

Tools

Linux

RTOS

Zephyr RTOS

Open-source tools

Job description

Company

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area

Engineering Group > Software Engineering

General Summary

The CPU software architecture team propels the development of CPU software architecture for flagship Qualcomm custom CPU products. The role focuses on sub‑system feature architecture, enablement, and firmware development, involving hardware-software co‑design, system optimization, and firmware for ARMv9. Contributions support a range of Qualcomm SoCs used in premium mobile, laptop, automotive, cloud, and server platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering (or related) experience.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering (or related) experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering (or related) experience.
• 4+ years of work experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in embedded system development.
• Understanding of ARM CPU architecture fundamentals and ARMv8/v9 ISA.
• Experience with performance evaluation and optimization for ARM‑based SoCs.
• Familiarity with typical open‑source development tools and frameworks.
• Experience in software or driver development for operating systems such as Linux or RTOS (e.g., Zephyr RTOS).
• Strong programming skills in C, C++ or ARM assembly.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple teams, including hardware design, to define software architecture.
• Understanding of RISC‑V architecture fundamentals is a plus.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Apply software knowledge to design, develop, modify, and validate embedded and edge software, applications, and utility programs.
• Analyze user needs and software requirements to design and customize software for operational efficiency.
• Design and implement software modules for products and systems.
• Participate in design, coding of large features, unit testing, debugging, and integration to meet specifications and schedules.
• Perform code reviews, regression tests, triage issues, and refine fixes to ensure code quality.
• Collaborate with project team members to achieve objectives.
• Write technical documentation for software projects.

Level of Responsibility

• Works under supervision.
• Decision‑making may affect work beyond the immediate team.
• Requires verbal and written communication skills, and basic negotiation, influence, and tact.
• Tasks lack defined steps; planning, problem‑solving, and prioritization are required.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay range: $192,600.00 – $289,000.00 (location dependent). In addition, the role includes a competitive discretionary bonus program and annual RSU grants. A comprehensive benefits package supports success at work, home, and beyond.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. Qualcomm is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to candidates with disabilities. Applicants may contact [e-mail] for accommodation requests.