Senior Software Engineer - Linux

QUALCOMM, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc. is seeking an experienced Linux Platform Engineer to drive Linux innovation for server-class CPUs.

You will join a Linux Platform team to build and optimize distribution support, packaging, and CI/CD automation across major Linux distributions, bridging internal enablement with open-source standards. The role focuses on platform support, integration, and upstream readiness for enterprise environments, collaborating with hardware, firmware, and software teams to

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new server-class hardware, ensuring core functionality.
• Implement and maintain build, packaging, and test workflows within CI/CD infrastructure.
• Debug and triage issues related to build failures, packaging, and platform bring-up.
• Support upstream readiness by testing and validating changes for major Linux distributions.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python scripting

Bash scripting

Git/GitHub workflows

Linux kernel knowledge

CI/CD automation

Debugging Linux systems

Communication skills

Kernel/Userpace debugging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS

Master's degree in Engineering/CS

PhD in Engineering/CS

Tools

Git

GitHub Actions

Jenkins

RPM packaging

Debian packaging

Ubuntu packaging

Job description

Company:Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc.Job Area:Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software EngineeringGeneral Summary:Drive Linux innovation for Qualcomm’s next-generation server-class CPUs . Join our Linux Platform team to build and optimize Linux distribution support and infrastructure that empowers internal developers and test teams, while preparing upstream readiness for major data center and enterprise environments. This role focuses on platform support, packaging, integration, and CI/CD automation across major Linux distributions, bridging internal enablement with open-source community standards.Minimum Qualifications:• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.ORMaster's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.ORPhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.• 2+ years of academic or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.Preferred Qualifications:Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.Strong background in computer science fundamentals and software engineering principles.Proficiency in Bash and Python for automation and tooling, working knowledge of C/C++Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Mature interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across diverse teams.Proven ability to debug complex Linux systems across kernel and userspace.Ability to quickly learn new tools and workflows in a fast-evolving environment.Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in non-linear, dynamic environments.Proficiency with Git and experience in GitHub-based workflows (or similar), including integration with modern CI/CD systems for open-source or large-scale projects.Deep experience with enterprise Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL/Fedora, Ubuntu/Debian) and build frameworks, including packaging, update mechanisms, and upstream integration, and data center deployment practices.Familiarity with Linux packaging systems (Debian, RPM) and CI/CD automation tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins).Working knowledge of Linux kernel configuration and platform enablement (e.g., ACPI, UEFI, kconfig).Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel or userspace projects is a strong plus.Familiarity with virtualization, containerization, and orchestration tools (QEMU, KVM, Docker, Kubernetes) is desirable.Key Responsibilities:Collaborate with team members to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new server-class hardware, ensuring core functionality and stability.Implement and maintain build, packaging, and test workflows within the team’s CI/CD infrastructure.Assist in developing internal Linux distribution integrationDebug and triage issues related to build failures, packaging, and platform bring-up.Work with hardware and firmware engineers to resolve platform-specific issues (e.g., bootloader, ACPI, secure boot).Support upstream readiness efforts by testing and validating changes needed for major Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu).Contribute patches and collaborate with upstream communities under guidance from senior team members.Document processes and share knowledge to enable other internal developers.Level of Responsibility:Works under supervision with moderate autonomy.Decision-making may affect work beyond immediate work group.Requires strong communication skills and ability to influence and negotiate across teams.Tasks require planning, prioritization, and creative problem-solving.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 [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).To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.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 :$117,800.00 - $176,600.00The 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 .If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .