Staff Software Engineer - Linux

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus program

RSU grants

Job summary

Qualcomm is seeking a Software Engineer in San Diego to design, develop, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, working with hardware, firmware, and software teams on system-level solutions.

The role emphasizes Linux platform enablement, image generation, packaging, integration, and CI/CD automation across Debian/Ubuntu, RHEL/Fedora, and related ecosystems. Collaboration and autonomous work are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in computer science and system-level software engineering.
• Advanced Linux experience with the ability to debug complex issues spanning kernel, boot, and userspace.
• Proficiency in Bash and Python for automation and tooling; working knowledge of C/C++.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously in ambiguous, fast-evolving technical environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across hardware, firmware, and software teams.
• Proven problem-solving abilities with systems-level thinking.
• Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel or userspace projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive Linux platform enablement for Qualcomm’s next-generation SoCs.
• Architect, build, and optimize Linux distribution support and CI/CD infrastructure across major distributions.
• Bridge silicon and firmware enablement with open-source distribution standards for compute, server, embedded, and IoT platforms.

Skills

Bash

Python

C/C++

Kernel debugging

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, 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

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Overview

As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what is possible to enable next‑generation experiences and drives digital transformation. As a Qualcomm Software Engineer, you will design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/ or specialized utility programs that launch cutting‑edge, world‑class products that meet and exceed customer needs. Qualcomm Software Engineers collaborate with systems, hardware, architecture, test engineers, and other teams to design system‑level software solutions and obtain information on performance requirements and interfaces.

Responsibilities

Drive Linux platform enablement for Qualcomm’s next‑generation SoCs. Join the Linux Platform team to architect, build, and optimize Linux distribution support and infrastructure that empowers internal developers, validation, and product teams. This role focuses on upstream‑oriented Linux platform enablement, including image generation, packaging, integration, and CI/CD automation across major Linux distributions (Debian/Ubuntu, RHEL/Fedora). The position bridges silicon and firmware enablement with modern open‑source distribution standards, supporting compute, server, embedded, and IoT platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Strong foundation in computer science and system‑level software engineering.
• Advanced Linux experience with the ability to debug complex issues spanning kernel, boot, and userspace.
• Proficiency in Bash and Python for automation and tooling; working knowledge of C/C++.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously in ambiguous, fast‑evolving technical environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across hardware, firmware, and software teams.
• Proven problem‑solving abilities with systems‑level thinking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep, hands‑on experience with one or more major Linux distributions (RHEL/Fedora, Ubuntu/Debian), including image creation, packaging, update mechanisms, and integration workflows.
• Strong experience with Git and GitHub‑based development workflows, including CI/CD system design and maintenance (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins).
• Practical knowledge of Linux packaging ecosystems (RPM and/or Debian), including policy, dependency management, and reproducibility.
• Solid understanding of Linux platform enablement and boot flows (UEFI, edk2, ACPI, GRUB, kconfig).
• Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel or userspace projects.
• Familiarity with Linux desktop environments and developer‑facing workflows.
• Experience with virtualization and container technologies (QEMU, KVM, Docker; Kubernetes a plus).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of work experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Compensation

$134,800.00 – $202,200.00 per year. 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. Qualcomm also offers a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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]. Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to participate in the hiring process.

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.