Sr. Modem Power Engineer

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Modem Software Engineer to design, implement, verify, validate, and commercialize wireless WAN core network and data connectivity software for modem products.

You will work across UE and network perspectives to optimize power and performance and contribute to end‑to‑end modem software packages. You will collaborate with Software Development, System Design, and Chipset Architecture teams, leveraging AI/ML techniques to improve power analysis and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years software/embedded experience.
• Master's degree with 1+ year software/embedded experience.
• PhD in related field.

Responsibilities

• Work on next‑generation wireless technologies including 5G NR and LTE Advanced, focusing on modem stack software, firmware, and hardware features.
• Integrate and test system‑level features across modem capabilities and design test content to optimize power cost.
• Analyze and debug power optimization issues balancing stability and performance.
• Collaborate with Software Development, System Design, Chipset Architecture, and Customer Support to integrate and commercialize QCT products.
• Recommend prototype algorithms to improve modem power optimization features.
• Apply AI/ML techniques to enhance power analysis and optimization in wireless design.
• Adopt LLM‑based tools to automate analysis and debugging processes.
• Stay current with 6G and AI/ML advancements to identify opportunities for integration.

Skills

Software Engineering

Embedded Software

Power optimization

AI/ML awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer/ Electrical Engineering or related

Master's degree in Computer/ Electrical Engineering or related

PhD in Computer/ Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Python

RTOS

Multithreading

Test equipment (Keysight/R&S/Anritsu)

Job description

Company

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area

Engineering Group > Modem Software Engineering

General Summary

As a Qualcomm Modem Software Engineer, you will design, implement, verify, validate, and commercialize the Wireless WAN (or cellular) core network and data connectivity software solutions on our modem. Engineers collaborate with cross‑functional teams to commercialize end‑to‑end modem software packages as full components.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of digital communications, RF propagation, and telecommunications concepts.
• Exposure to 5G NR, LTE, and interest in emerging 6G technologies.
• Familiarity with data protocols (e.g., IP, TCP) through coursework or projects.
• Awareness of air interface performance analysis and optimization.
• Basic programming ability in Python or similar languages.
• Familiarity with real‑time operating systems and multi‑threaded processor architectures is a plus.
• Familiarity with commercial wireless test equipment (e.g., Keysight, R&S, Anritsu) is a plus.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills; willingness to learn and collaborate.
• Exposure to AI/ML and Large Language Models (LLMs), with interest in applying these techniques to wireless system design and power optimization.
• Knowledge of Embedded Power Architecture, power grid analysis, and basics of power measurement techniques is an added plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on next‑generation wireless technologies, including 5G NR, LTE Advanced, and emerging 6G standards, focusing on critical modem stack software, firmware, and hardware features from both UE and network protocol perspectives. Investigate, analyze, and optimize systems for power and thermal characteristics, with close attention to performance KPIs.
• Integrate and test system‑level features across a broad range of modem capabilities, design comprehensive test content, and optimize system performance with a focus on evaluating power cost. Support customer (OEMs and carriers) requirements for product commercialization.
• Analyze and debug issues related to power optimization features, studying their impact on stability and performance while maintaining the balance between power and performance.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (Software Development, System Design, Chipset Architecture, Customer Support, Tools, etc.) to integrate, test, and commercialize QCT products. Handle triaging issues, raise bug tracking tickets, and drive closure to meet requirements.
• Recommend optimizations and suggestions to prototype algorithms and designs as proof of concept for modem power optimization features.
• Apply AI/ML techniques to improve power analysis and optimization, leveraging exposure to AI/ML and Large Language Models in wireless system design.
• Adopt LLM‑based tools to automate analysis, enhance debugging, and streamline feature integration processes.
• Stay current with advancements in 6G and AI/ML technologies, proactively identifying opportunities to incorporate these innovations into modem power solutions.

Level Of Responsibility

• Works fairly independently.
• Decision‑making affects direct area of work and/or work group.
• Requires verbal and written communication skills to convey basic, routine factual information.
• Tasks consist of a limited number of steps and can be referenced using directions or manuals.

Pay Range And Other Compensation & Benefits

$122,500.00 - $183,700.00

Salary is one component of total compensation and includes opportunities for discretionary bonus and RSU grants. Competitive benefits are provided to support work, home, and personal life.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Qualcomm is an equal‑opportunity employer. Applications are processed in a fair and inclusive manner. Individuals with disabilities are welcomed and provided accommodations as required.