Senior Machine Learning Engineer – AI/ML Compiler

Qualcomm; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 227,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to create and optimize ML compiler technologies that translate PyTorch/ONNX models into efficient code for CPU, GPU, and NPU devices.

You will work with cross-functional teams to advance ML frameworks across Qualcomm platforms. The role requires strong Python and C++ skills, experience with ML compiler concepts, and familiarity with MLIR/ONNX/TVM stacks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or related field with 2+ years of relevant work experience
• Master's degree in CS/Engineering or related field with 1+ year of relevant work experience
• PhD in CS/Engineering or related field
• Proficient in Python and C++
• Solid understanding of ML compiler concepts and experience with MLIR/ONNX/TVM

Responsibilities

• Build & maintain machine learning compiler technologies that turn AI models into efficient device code
• Contribute to AI hub compiler, ONNX Runtime QNN optimization and cross-backend compatibility
• Build debugging tools to diagnose accuracy loss or slowdowns with clear diagnostics
• Mentor teammates and provide technical guidance
• Explain complex compiler ideas clearly to chip engineers and partners

Skills

Python

C++

Communication skills

CI/CD pipelines

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or related field

Master's degree in CS/Engineering or related field

PhD in CS/Engineering or related field

Tools

MLIR

ONNX

TVM

PyTorch

ONNXRuntime

LiteRT

ExecuTorch

Job description

Company:

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Engineering

General Summary:

As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Machine Learning Engineer, you will create and implement machine learning techniques, frameworks, and tools that enable the efficient discovery and utilization of state-of-the-art machine learning solutions over a broad set of technology verticals or designs. Qualcomm Engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the world of mobile, edge, auto, and IOT products through machine learning hardware and software.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 1+ year of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of industry experience in ML infrastructure, compiler engineering, or AI framework development
• Proficient in Python and C++
• Solid understanding of ML compiler concepts (graph IRs, operator fusion, shape inference, lowering passes, backend partitioning) and hands-on experience with one or more compiler stacks such as MLIR, ONNX, or TVM
• Experience with PyTorch model export (torch.export, torch.compile, FX, ATen IR) and on-device deployment frameworks such as LiteRT, ExecuTorch, or ONNXRuntime
• Familiarity with SoC-level constraints (memory bandwidth, compute precision, NPU/DSP execution) and hardware-specific runtimes such as QAIRT/QNN is a plus
• Experience building automated CI/CD pipelines for model compilation and validation at scale
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with git and software engineering best practices

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build & maintain machine learning compiler technologies that turn AI models (from PyTorch or ONNX) into efficient code that runs on device chips (CPU, GPU, and NPU processors).
• Contribute to AI hub compiler, ONNX Runtime QNN -doing graph optimization, partitioning, and making sure models work correctly across backends.
• Build debugging tools to spot and fix failures, accuracy loss, or slowdowns, with clear diagnostics for other developers.
• Solve open-ended problems independently while mentoring teammates and giving technical guidance.
• Explain complex compiler ideas clearly to chip engineers, business partners, and outside developers.

Level of Responsibility:

• Works independently with minimal supervision.
• Decision-making may affect work beyond immediate work group.
• Requires verbal and written communication skills to convey information. May require basic negotiation, influence, tact, etc.
• Has a moderate amount of influence over key organizational decisions (e.g., is consulted by senior leadership to make key decisions).
• Tasks require multiple steps which can be performed in various orders; some planning, problem-solving, and prioritization must occur to complete the tasks effectively.

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 found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).

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.

Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:

• $151,200.00 - $226,800.00

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. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales‑incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.