Quality Systems Engineer, Sr Staff

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,400 - 210,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual discretionary bonus

Opportunity for annual RSU grants

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Qualcomm is seeking a Quality Engineer to lead compliance assessments, drive quality standards, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Based in San Diego, CA, this role requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and extensive experience in quality systems.

The successful candidate will analyze data, mentor team members, and contribute to continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with ISO standards. A competitive salary between $140,400.00 and $210,600.00 annually is offered.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in Quality Engineering or related work experience.
• 10+ years in quality systems, product engineering, or manufacturing.
• Experience with complex electronic products.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute internal assessments for compliance.
• Conduct audits and provide actionable feedback.
• Analyze quality data to improve standards.

Skills

Quality Engineering

ISO 9001 knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Statistical software (e.g., MS Excel, Minitab)

Job description

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Quality Assurance Engineering

General Summary

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 Quality Engineer, you will plan, implement, and manage compliance of design, development/manufacturing, production processes, and/or quality requirements with safety, quality, and regulatory standards for worldwide distribution. Qualcomm Engineers collaborate with cross‑functional teams to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Location Requirement

This position is based in San Diego, CA only and requires onsite presence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 6+ years of Quality Engineering or related work experience.
• Master's Degree in Applied Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 5+ years of Quality Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Applied Science, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 4+ years of Quality Engineering or related work experience.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of internal assessments to evaluate compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements across design, development, manufacturing, and production processes, aligned with ISO‑based and industry‑specific standards.
• Independently conduct internal assessments and act as a trusted quality advisor to hardware, system, and program teams; provide actionable feedback, identify systemic gaps, and drive effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Serve as the primary Quality Systems lead for engagement with external ISO registrars and certification bodies, owning audit readiness, execution, and follow‑up.
• Lead external audits, drive effective resolution of findings, and maintain strong, credible relationships to ensure sustained certification and continuous improvement.
• Champion “design‑in quality” by influencing early lifecycle decisions, supplier engagement, and manufacturing readiness.
• Analyze quality data, assessment outcomes, and customer signals to identify enterprise‑level risks and trends; translate insights into improvements to standards, governance, and controls.
• Ensure quality is seamlessly integrated across functions including design, development, process engineering, manufacturing, and production.
• Serve as a Quality Systems thought partner for new market and platform diversification initiatives, assessing readiness, risk, and standards alignment for emerging product categories.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior engineering and business leaders to drive alignment on quality objectives, risk posture, and continuous improvement priorities.
• Lead cross‑functional efforts to resolve complex quality issues spanning processes, products, suppliers, and customer feedback.
• Develop, deliver, and oversee quality training, process documentation, and templates to support internal QMS effectiveness and external certifications.
• Drive knowledge transfer, mentoring, and capability building within the Quality Systems team to ensure continuity, scalability, and long‑term organizational resilience.
• Lead oversight and reporting for ESD compliance and Lab Compliance Audits across Qualcomm labs.

Level of Responsibility

• Operate independently with minimal supervision.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to other quality team members.
• Exercise significant judgment and decision‑making that impacts multiple organizations.
• Communicate complex concepts effectively to technical and non‑technical stakeholders, often requiring influence and negotiation.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on quality risk, standards strategy, and organizational readiness.
• Work in an environment where objectives are broadly defined and planning, prioritization, and problem‑solving are essential.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field (electronics background required).
• Hands‑on knowledge of ISO 9001 quality standard to successfully plan, lead, and execute internal and external audits, driving meaningful findings resolution and sustained compliance. Lead Auditor Certification.
• 10+ years of experience in quality systems, product engineering, manufacturing, or reliability roles supporting complex electronic products.
• 10+ years of experience planning, leading, or participating in internal and/or external quality assessments.
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycles, validation, and release processes.
• Demonstrated experience applying quality and safety standards across multiple product domains.
• Proven ability to lead structured problem‑solving and root cause analysis for systemic issues.
• Demonstrated success influencing cross‑functional teams and senior leaders in large, matrixed organizations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with IATF16949, ISO 26262, ESD S20.20, Functional Safety, Automotive SPICE.
• 3+ years of experience with data modeling in statistical software such as MS Excel, Minitab, etc.
• Black Belt/Six Sigma certification.
• ASQ (e.g., CQE or CRE) certification or equivalent.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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 disability‑[e-mail] or call Qualcomm’s toll‑free number. Upon request, 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 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.

Compensation

$140,400.00 - $210,600.00 (annual base salary). 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. In addition, Qualcomm offers a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants. Highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play.

Contact Information

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.