IOT Software Engineer

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 134,800 - 202,200; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking an embedded software engineer to join the IPS Software team. The role focuses on low‑level device drivers, firmware, and hardware/software interfaces to bring up, test, and validate Qualcomm reference platforms.

You will develop bare‑metal software, run validation firmware, and collaborate with hardware, silicon, and systems teams across global sites. The ideal candidate has deep embedded experience and can work independently or in a distributed team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience or PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years of programming in C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain bare-metal firmware and low-level device drivers for bring-up and validation of Qualcomm reference platforms.
• Perform early hardware bring-up and debug of new boards and chipsets across hardware, firmware, and system boundaries.
• Implement and extend test firmware for platform validation, manufacturing test, and factory enablement.
• Collaborate with hardware design, silicon, systems, and validation teams to define requirements and resolve integration issues.
• Analyze failures using schematics, traces, logic analyzer data, and lab instrumentation; drive issues to resolution.
• Support multiple platforms and hardware variants, adapting software to different configurations and use cases.
• Participate in code reviews, documentation, and best practices for low-level embedded software; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Device drivers

Bare-metal software

Register-level programming

GPIO configuration

Hardware bring-up

SoC peripherals

Debugging

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS

Master's degree in Engineering/CS

PhD in Engineering/CS

Tools

Lauterbach Trace32

JTAG debuggers

Perforce

Job description

Overview

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking an embedded software engineer to join the IPS Software team. The role focuses on low‑level device drivers, firmware, and hardware/software interfaces to bring up, test, and validate Qualcomm reference platforms. The team develops bare‑metal software and validation firmware to support hardware design validation, factory test enablement, and early platform bring‑up across multiple global sites. The position requires strong technical depth in embedded software development and close collaboration with hardware, silicon, and systems teams. The ideal candidate is self‑motivated and able to work independently or as part of a globally distributed team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain bare‑metal firmware and low‑level device drivers to enable bring‑up and validation of Qualcomm reference platforms.
• Perform early hardware bring‑up and debug of new boards and chipsets, identifying issues across hardware, firmware, and system boundaries.
• Implement and extend test firmware used for platform validation, manufacturing test, and factory enablement.
• Collaborate closely with hardware design, silicon, systems, and validation teams to define requirements and resolve hardware/software integration issues.
• Analyze failures using schematics, register traces, logic analyzer data, and lab instrumentation, and drive issues to resolution.
• Support multiple platforms and hardware variants, adapting software to different configurations and use cases.
• Contribute to code reviews, documentation, and best practices for low‑level embedded software development.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on embedded software, debugging techniques, and platform bring‑up.
• Participate in cross‑site and cross‑functional reviews, providing clear technical communication and status updates.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in device driver and bare‑metal software development, including register‑level programming, GPIO configuration, and hardware bring‑up.
• Experience with SoC peripherals such as RAM, UFS, NVMe, displays, camera subsystems, audio codecs, and environmental and motion sensors (e.g., compass, humidity, accelerometer).
• Working knowledge of interfaces and protocols including SPI, USB, I2C/I3C, PCIe, UART, UFS, MIPI CSI/DSI, and CAN.
• Proficiency with debug and bring‑up tools such as Lauterbach Trace32 and JTAG debuggers.
• Hands‑on experience with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and bench power supplies.
• Solid understanding of ARM and/or RISC‑V processor architectures.
• Experience using software revision control systems such as Perforce.
• Ability to interpret datasheets, hardware design documents, schematics, and CCA drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate effectively with international teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of work experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in embedded systems development, device drivers, or firmware development.
• 8+ years of hands‑on experience with engineering lab tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and JTAG debuggers.
• 8+ years of programming experience using languages such as C, C++, Python, Assembly, or similar.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e‑mail disability‑[e-mail] or call Qualcomm's toll‑free number found here. Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities.

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: $134,800.00 - $202,200.00. This range reflects broad minimum to maximum pay for the location. Salary is one component of total compensation, which also includes a discretionary bonus program and annual RSU grants. Our benefits package supports success at work, home, and play. Your recruiter can provide more details.