Embedded Real Time Operating System Senior Software Engineer (QuRT OS, Zephyr)

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

RSU grants

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking an embedded software engineer (0–3 years) for the Core Platform Kernel team in San Diego. You will contribute to RTOS deployment (QuRT OS and Zephyr) across Hexagon-based subsystems, drive feature design, testing, and deployment, and strengthen CI/test pipelines.

Strong C/C++, Python and embedded debugging skills are valued. The role focuses on deep Hexagon DSP knowledge and cross-subsystem collaboration, with opportunities to shape the QuRT/Zephyr roadmap

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years in software/electrical/computer engineering or related work experience.
• Alternative: Master's with 1+ year of software/electrical/computer engineering experience.
• PhD in related field also acceptable.
• Preferred: 2+ years in programming (C, C++, Python) and embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop small well-defined blocks independently and assist with larger blocks or tests under minor supervision.
• Identify problems across multiple systems, collaborate in design reviews, and meet specifications for power and performance.
• Stay current with industry trends and advances in DSP/embedded tech; contribute ideas with the team.
• Collaborate with teammates to generate new ideas and communicate effectively.
• Document issues, features, and design changes clearly and timely.

Skills

Embedded software development

Multi-Core Computer Architecture

Off-target software development

Scripting and Automation

Embedded software debugging

Software security practices

CI/CD

Source control systems

Automotive software development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field

2+ years of relevant work experience

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field

Tools

QEMU

JTAG

Trace32

OpenOCD

Segger J-Link

LLDB

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

GitHub

Gerrit

GitLab

Job description

Company:

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > DSP Architecture and Design

General Summary:

Qualcomm is seeking an embedded software engineer with 0 to 3 years of experience for the Core Platform Kernel software team.

The Core Platform Kernel software team develops and deploys RTOS software to multiple subsystems on Qualcomm chips servicing Mobile Handset, XR, Compute, Automotive, Cloud AI and IoT market segments. The team is primarily responsible for efficiently deploying two real time operating systems: QuRT OS and Zephyr. QuRT OS is a Qualcomm-developed real time operating system optimized for the Qualcomm Hexagon processor and AI, 5G modem and low power audio- and sensors workloads. The Core Platform Kernel team is responsible for new feature development, support, and deployment of QuRT OS to multiple Hexagon Processor subsystems on Qualcomm SoCs. The team is also responsible for customization and deployment of the Zephyr RTOS to multiple subsystems on Qualcomm SoCs, and contributions back to the Zephyr community.

In the QuRT OS space we continually to enhance the OS to expose the power of the Hexagon processor, enabling high-performance, low-power edge AI use cases, high performance 5G and secure low-power audio and sensors use cases. We own the QuRT OS roadmap end-to-end, from analyzing requirements to feature design, unit testing, documentation, integration, deployment, and support. In this technology you will have opportunity to contribute to maintaining and enhancing our continuous integration and test system, and designing, developing, testing, deploying, and supporting new QuRT OS features. You will need to develop deep understanding of the Hexagon DSP processor architecture and apply this understanding to your work in designing and implementing new RTOS features.

In the Zephyr space, we are responsible for deploying this open source RTOS to multiple subsystems on Qualcomm SoCs. We excel in our ability to manage a single codebase that can service six and counting different subsystems. In the Zephyr space you will have opportunity to contribute to maintaining and enhancing our continuous integration and test system, customizing the OS per subsystem requirements, deploying the OS to new chips and subsystems, designing new features and making contributions back to the Zephyr community.

You’ll be a great fit for this position if you are passionate about embedded real time operating system software development. If you have hands-on experience in RTOS development (especially Zephyr RTOS) that’s even better. We also value skills, experience, and/or passion in the following areas:

• Embedded software development (C, C++, Assembly language – RISC-V, ARM, Hexagon)


• Multi-Core Computer Architecture


• Off-target software development and test (Instruction Set Simulation, QEMU)


• Scripting and Automation (Python)


• Embedded software debugging (JTAG, Trace32, OpenOCD, Segger J-Link, LLDB)


• Embedded Software Security and Secure Software development practices


• Continuous integration and test (Jenkins, Github actions)


• Source Control Systems (Github, Gerrit, Gitlab)


• Automotive Software development (ASPICE, ISO-26262, ISO-21434)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.


• 2+ years of experience with high-performance microprocessor design.

OR

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.

OR

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.


• 2+ years of experience with programming (e.g., C, C++, Python), computer architecture, or embedded systems.


• 2+ years of experience in design verification methods.


• 1+ year of experience working in a large matrixed organization.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently develops small well-defined blocks and assists in developing complex well-defined blocks, features, and/or tests under minor supervision that achieve desired quality, functionality, power, performance, and timing standards; guides lower-level engineers; proposes minor improvements.


• Independently identifies problems across multiple systems or subsystems and resolves most architecture and design issues; collaborates and collects feedback during design reviews and with other teams to ensure the block meets the specifications, performance, and power requirements; investigates issues in order to prevent future issues.


• Seeks essential knowledge of industry trends, competitors’ products, and advances in various engineering fields related to DSP products and technology (e.g., machine learning, modem); shows interest in a specific area of expertise.


• Collaborates with team members to generate new ideas.


• Communicates effectively with peers and leads using written, verbally, and online communication; effectively tracks and documents issues, features, and design changes.

Level of Responsibility:

• Works under close supervision.


• Responsible for own work, decision-making is limited. Impact of decisions is readily apparent. Errors made typically only impact timeline (i.e., require additional time to correct).


• Requires verbal and written communication skills to convey basic, routine factual information about day-to-day activities to others who are fully knowledgeable in the subject area.


• Works within the prescribed budgetary objectives of the department. Erroneous decisions, failure to achieve results may cause delays in schedules and result in the re-allocation of some resources.


• Some tasks require multiple steps which must be performed in a specific order; directions or manuals can accurately document the steps necessary to perform the task.


• Creativity is needed to draft original documents, imagery, or work products within established guidelines.


• Deductive problem solving is required to solve moderately complex problems; most problems have defined processes of diagnosis/detection; some limited data analysis may be required.


• Incumbent's input may be solicited during strategic planning period.

The responsibilities of this role do not include:

• Does not provide supervision to others.


• Has no influence over key organizational decisions.

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).

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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.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:

$127,200.00 - $190,800.00

The 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.