#Senior Software Engineer - Linux

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc. is seeking an accomplished software engineer to drive Linux innovation for next-gen server CPUs. You will join the Linux Platform team to build and optimize distribution support, packaging, and CI/CD automation across major Linux distros, bridging internal enabling with open-source standards.

The role focuses on platform enablement, upstream readiness, and collaboration with hardware/firmware teams in a fast-evolving environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in a relevant field with qualifying experience.
• 2+ years of software engineering using C/C++, Java, or Python.
• Experience with Linux and scripting is expected.
• Strong fundamentals in CS and software engineering.

Responsibilities

• Bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new server hardware.
• Build, package, and test workflows in CI/CD infrastructure.
• Develop linux distribution integration for internal use.
• Debug build failures, packaging, and platform bring-up.
• Collaborate with hardware/firmware teams on platform issues.
• Assist upstream readiness for major Linux distributions.
• Contribute patches and document processes for internal teams.

Skills

C

C++

Java

Python

Bash

Communication skills

Software engineering principles

Open-source experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field

Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field

PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Git

GitHub

Docker

Kubernetes

QEMU

KVM

RPM

Debian

Ubuntu

CI/CD tools

Job description

Company

Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc.

Job Area

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering

General Summary

This position is not eligible for Qualcomm immigration sponsorship.

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.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of academic or work experience with Programming Languages 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 integration.
• Debug 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 is committed to providing an accessible process for individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as requested.

Pay Range and Benefits

Pay range: $111,300.00 – $166,900.00