Modem HW Design Engineer – AI Driven Next Gen Modem Hardware Development

Qualcomm; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 311,400; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm is seeking a Wireless Design Engineer in Santa Clara, CA. You will define specifications, develop RTL, and collaborate with hardware, RF, and firmware teams. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in software/hardware engineering and solid expertise in RTL coding for modem technologies.

This position offers a competitive salary from $187,000 to $311,400, alongside benefits including a discretionary bonus program and RSU grants. Join Qualcomm, a leader in wireless innovation, and contribute to the future of 6G technology!

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant experience in Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, or related fields.
• 5+ years with a Master's degree, or 4+ years with a PhD in relevant disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Define specifications and architecture/micro‑architecture.
• Develop RTL and optimize for area, power, and performance.
• Collaborate with hardware, verification, modeling, and physical implementation teams.

Skills

RTL coding

logic design for wireless modem ASICs

Verilog

SystemVerilog

C/C++

SystemC

Unix/Linux shell scripting

Python/Perl

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering

Master's degree in Computer Engineering

PhD in Computer Engineering

Job description

General Summary

Qualcomm is the world’s largest fabless semiconductor company and a global leader in wireless innovation—powering the majority of 3G, 4G, and 5G devices while pioneering the future 6G era. Our hardware engineering teams build industry‑leading modem and RF transceiver solutions enabling the next generation of wireless technology.

Responsibilities

As a Wireless Design Engineer, you will define specifications and architecture/micro‑architecture, develop RTL, and optimize for area, power, and performance. You will collaborate closely within the hardware team comprising verification, modeling, and physical implementation teams, while also engaging with system, RF, firmware, and software teams to deliver first‑time‑right silicon.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or MS degree and 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong expertise in RTL coding and logic design for wireless modem ASICs or custom datapath components for DSP applications.
• Solid understanding of Verilog, SystemVerilog, C/C++, and SystemC.
• Experience with synthesis, industry LINT, clock domain crossing, low power design and verification.
• Background in wireless/wireline modem technology, DSP, or communication systems.
• Knowledge of 4G/5G 3GPP physical layer standards is a strong plus.
• Ultra‑deep sub‑micron CMOS technology nodes such as 4nm and below.
• Experience with Generative AI, ML, or agentic‑AI‑based automation.
• Proficiency with Unix/Linux shell scripting, Python/Perl, Makefiles, XML.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and critical‑thinking skills.

Locations

San Diego, CA; Santa Clara, CA; and Boxborough, MA.

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

$187,000.00 - $311,400.00

We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants. Our highly competitive benefits package supports success at work, at home, and at play.

For more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.