Firmware Development Principal Engineer

Qualcomm; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 211,800 - 317,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus program

RSU grants

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer to design, develop, and validate embedded and cloud edge software for Qualcomm’s CPUs. You will collaborate with systems, hardware, and test teams to enable a power‑managed CPU performance solution across SoCs.

The role involves pre‑ and post‑silicon work, engagement with OSS communities, and contributions to future CPU performance management. Relocation to Santa Clara, CA or Austin, TX is expected for the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 8+ years in software engineering or related work experience.
• Master’s degree adds 7+ years of experience; PhD adds 6+ years of experience.
• 4+ years of experience with programming languages (C, C++, Java, Python, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Drive firmware design, implementation and verification in pre‑silicon and post‑silicon environments.
• Assist in defining CPU Performance Management solutions for future Qualcomm CPUs.
• Engage with open source communities to contribute support for processor architectures, device drivers, and firmware features.
• Assist in hiring engineers and collaborate with platform bring‑up, diagnostics, and firmware lifecycle teams.

Skills

C

C++

Java

Python

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

Tools

Zephyr

eCos

uC/OS

FreeRTOS

Job description

Overview

Company: Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Relocation Required: Candidates must be willing to relocate to Santa Clara, CA or Austin, TX if not currently based in one of these locations.

As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what is possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Software Engineer, you will design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/or specialized utility programs that launch cutting‑edge, world‑class products that meet and exceed customer needs. Qualcomm Software Engineers collaborate with systems, hardware, architecture, and test engineers, and other teams to design system‑level software solutions and obtain information on performance requirements and interfaces.

In this role, you will focus on CPU Performance Management firmware development. You are responsible for working with a team on the enablement of the power management solution for Qualcomm’s custom CPUs, collaborating with internal teams, defining a standard‑driven solution, implementing embedded firmware to manage CPU performance, and helping characterize and tune this solution for all Qualcomm SoCs utilizing custom CPUs.

Role and Responsibilities

• Drive the firmware design, implementation and verification, in pre‑silicon and post‑silicon environments.
• Assist in the definition of CPU Performance Management solutions for future generations of Qualcomm CPUs.
• Actively engage with open source communities to contribute support for processor architectures, device drivers, and firmware features.
• Assist in identifying skills requirements and in hiring engineers, collaborating with other teams on platform bring‑up/debug/diagnostics, firmware lifecycle, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• BS/BEng in Electrical, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science (or equivalent professional experience) with 5 years of experience in embedded firmware development.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative and brings technical leadership.
• Proficient writing and debugging C and assembly.
• Driver development experience in RTOS or OS kernel environments.
• Demonstrated development experience with embedded OSes such as Zephyr, eCos, uC/OS or FreeRTOS.
• Experience developing for pre‑silicon environments including simulators and FPGA emulation.
• Experience developing, characterizing and tuning performance management solutions in SoC subsystems will be a considerable plus.
• Familiarity with ARM v8 architecture. Development experience for an ARMv8 platform is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently transports between offices, buildings, and campuses up to 1/2 mile.
• Frequently transports and installs equipment up to 5 lbs.
• Performs required tasks at various heights (e.g., standing or sitting).
• Monitors and utilizes computers and test equipment for more than 6 hours a day.
• Continuous communication which includes the comprehension of information with colleagues, customers, and vendors both in person and remotely.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay range: $211,800.00 – $317,800.00. This reflects the broad minimum to maximum pay scale for this job code for the location posted. Salary is only one component; additional benefits include a competitive annual discretionary bonus program, opportunity for annual RSU grants, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees at work, at home, and at play. Further details about U.S. benefits can be reviewed on Qualcomm’s benefits website.

EEO Statement

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. Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. 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.