Mixed Signal Design / Systems Engineer

Qualcomm; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 198,600 - 297,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus program

Annual RSU grants

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Qualcomm is seeking a Systems and Mixed Signal Design Engineer for its Fingerprint Sensor team. The ideal candidate will have extensive mixed-signal design and systems engineering experience to drive innovative biometric solutions for mobile devices.

The position involves system modeling, hardware specifications, and collaboration with various teams to enhance sensor and system performance. A competitive salary and benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in Systems Engineering or related work.
• Experience with algorithm development and system-level performance characterization.
• Hands-on experience using industry-standard simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Define, design and verify advanced sensors.
• Develop hardware specifications and sensor architectures.
• Collaborate with multiple teams for optimal performance.

Skills

Mixed-signal design

System engineering

Algorithm development

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

Cadence

MATLAB

SPICE

Verilog/VHDL

Python

Job description

General Summary

We are seeking a dynamic, forward‑thinking Systems and Mixed Signal Design Engineer to join our Fingerprint Sensor team and drive the development of innovative biometric solutions for next‑generation mobile devices.

The ideal candidate brings experience in mixed‑signal design and system engineering, with the ability to architect and design world‑class mixed‑signal sensor circuitry while also performing detailed system analysis and optimization. Depending on qualifications, the role may place greater emphasis on mixed‑signal design or on systems engineering.

In this role, you will apply advanced CMOS mixed‑signal IC design methodologies to architect and develop cutting‑edge fingerprint sensor technologies, and drive circuit‑level design and verification for products that push the boundaries of performance, reliability, and integration.

In addition, you will analyze use cases and product requirements, and perform functional decomposition to derive system requirements for implementation in hardware and/or software. You will also conduct system analysis and simulation modeling to propose algorithmic and/or system changes that optimize performance and power.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
• Works in the lab, can use hazardous chemicals (e.g., glue, machinery).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of Mixed Signal Design and Systems Engineering or related work experience.
• Experience with algorithm development, validation, and system‑level performance characterization.
• Familiarity with ASIC specifications, sensor physics, or module‑level design.
• Experience in systems engineering, preferably with sensors and integrated modules.
• Proven ability to define architecture and integrate systems into commercial products.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with attention to performance in edge cases.
• Experience with CMOS sensor design with TFT/LTPS technologies is a plus.
• Strong understanding of hardware/software interaction, including firmware development and HW/SW co‑optimization.
• Hands‑on experience using CADENCE, SPICE, MATLAB, Verilog/VHDL, Python and lab equivalent.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate or lead the definition, design and verification of advanced sensors.
• Participate or drive a full‑cycle development, including system modeling, sensor pixel design, driver circuit design, and optimization across key performance metrics.
• Develop hardware specifications for ASICs, sensors, and module components. Translate the system‑level requirements into sensor architectures, circuit specifications, and optimized sensor designs.
• Execute sensor circuit‑ and pixel‑level simulations using Cadence ADE/Spectre, HSPICE, MATLAB, and other industry‑standard tools to validate performance across corners and drive iterative improvements.
• Perform system‑level studies such as architecture exploration, fundamental physics analysis, and performance trade‑off evaluations.
• Develop algorithms to improve system‑level performance.
• Guide and review pixel‑level and block‑level layout to ensure performance, area efficiency, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Debug circuit, pixel, and system‑level issues; refine designs based on insights from simulation tools and sensor characterization.
• Support sensor bring‑up through lab measurements, functional validation, and correlation between sensor behavior and simulation models.
• Collaborate with system, firmware, product, and test engineering teams to achieve optimal sensor and system‑level performance.
• Prepare clear technical documentation, design descriptions, and test materials for internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Support design reviews for platform development; lead evaluation of system performance based on constraints and capabilities of design; work with multiple groups outside domain to support design integrity.
• Independently identify issues or patterns related to systems‑level software and hardware design and the implications for work within and across teams; make overall recommendations for new technologies and to address ambiguous issues, design architectures, generate solutions, and develop models, code, and simulations.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits

$198,600.00 – $297,800.00

In addition to the base salary, Qualcomm offers a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants. We also provide a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play.

EEO Statement

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.