Sr. Staff Audio Engineer

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 162,600 - 244,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualcomm is looking for a Senior Staff Audio Engineer to define, design, and optimize complex audio subsystems for mobile, automotive, or IoT platforms. This role requires a technical authority who will lead cross-functional efforts and make critical architectural decisions.

The ideal candidate possesses significant experience in software engineering, particularly with C/C++, and has deep knowledge of audio frameworks and performance optimization.

The position offers a salary range of $162,600.00 - $244,000.00.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of Software Engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• 5+ years of experience with a Master's degree.
• 4+ years of experience with a PhD.

Responsibilities

• Lead audio architecture design and optimization.
• Drive feature development for advanced audio capabilities.
• Work with cross-functional teams to solve complex integration challenges.

Skills

C++

Java

Python

Linux kernel

Audio signal processing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

AudioFlinger

JTAG

Logic analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Audio Precision

Job description

Company:

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering

General Summary:

The Senior Staff Audio Engineer is a technical authority responsible for the architecture, design, and optimization of complex audio subsystems. This role defines the direction for audio technologies (voice, playback, record, streaming) and ensures seamless integration across hardware and software stacks. The engineer works independently, influences key technical decisions, and leads cross‑functional efforts to deliver high‑quality audio experiences for mobile, automotive, or IoT platforms.

Responsibilities

1. Technical Architecture & Strategy

• System Architecture: Lead the definition and design of end‑to‑end audio architectures, including Audio Frameworks (Android/QNX), HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer), and kernel‑level drivers.
• Feature Development: Drive the design of advanced audio features such as spatial audio, active noise cancellation (ANC), voice activation/UI, and low‑latency audio pipelines.
• Performance Optimization: Analyze system performance to identify bottlenecks; optimize power consumption, latency, and memory usage for audio use cases.
• Innovation: Propose and prototype new audio algorithms or system modifications to improve acoustic performance and machine perception capabilities.

2. Leadership & Execution

• Technical Leadership: Serve as the primary technical interface for audio subsystems; lead design reviews and provide critical feedback to ensure design integrity.
• Cross‑Functional Alignment: Collaborate with Hardware, System, and Test teams to align on requirements and resolve complex integration challenges (e.g., synchronizing audio with display/video).
• Issue Resolution: Lead complex root cause analysis (RCA) for critical audio defects (e.g., distortion, drops, synchronization issues) and drive solutions across multiple layers of the stack.
• Mentorship: Mentor senior and staff engineers on best practices, code reviews, and architectural patterns.

3. Process & Standards

• Standards Compliance: Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., USB Audio, Bluetooth A2DP/LE Audio, Dolby/DTS certifications).
• Documentation: Create detailed technical specifications, architecture documents, and API definitions; present technical strategies to senior leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 3+ years of work experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Languages: Expert proficiency in C/C++; familiarity with Java/Kotlin (for Android) or Python (for tooling/analysis).
• OS/Kernel: Deep understanding of Linux/Android kernel audio drivers (ASoC), device tree configuration, and memory management (DMA, ION).
• Audio Frameworks: Hands‑on experience with Android Audio Framework (AudioFlinger, AudioPolicyManager), Audio HAL (HIDL/AIDL), PulseAudio, PipeWire, or ALSA/TinyALSA.
• DSP & Algorithms: Knowledge of audio signal processing (sample rates, formats, mixing, post‑processing effects) and DSP architecture (Hexagon/Qualcomm DSP experience is a plus).
• Interfaces: Experience with standard audio interfaces (I2S, TDM, SLIMbus, SoundWire, USB, HDMI).
• Debugging: Proficiency with debugging tools (JTAG, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes) and audio measurement tools (Audio Precision, HEAD acoustics).
• Decision Making: Makes critical architectural decisions with significant impact on product roadmap and timelines.
• Communication: Conveys complex technical information to non‑technical stakeholders and influences decision‑making at Director/VP levels.
• Autonomy: Operates independently with minimal supervision; defines scope and drives tasks to completion in ambiguous environments.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Works independently with minimal supervision.
• Provides supervision and guidance to other team members.
• Makes decisions that significantly affect work beyond the immediate team.
• Utilizes verbal and written communication skills; may require negotiation, influence, and tact.
• Has moderate influence over key organizational decisions (e.g., consulted by senior leadership).
• Performs tasks requiring multiple steps that may be completed in various orders; requires extensive planning, problem‑solving, and prioritization.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits

$162,600.00 - $244,000.00

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.