VP, Software Product Management - Mobile Handset

Qualcomm; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 272,100 - 408,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual discretionary bonus

Opportunity for annual RSU grants

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Qualcomm is seeking a leader in software product management for its Mobile Handsets division with a strong emphasis on AI. Responsibilities include defining software strategies, collaborating with key stakeholders, and overseeing execution.

Ideal candidates will have extensive product management experience, demonstrated leadership skills, and the ability to drive innovations in mobile computing.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of Software Product Management or related technical work experience.
• 6 years of leadership experience.
• 4 years in a large matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the software strategy for Mobile Handsets with a focus on AI.
• Embed software strategy into business decision-making.
• Work closely with key stakeholders to execute long-term plans.

Skills

Product Management

AI and Software Strategy

Negotiation

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related

Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or Engineering (preferred)

Job description

Company

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area

Operations Group, Operations Group > Product Management

General Summary

The successful candidate will lead software product management for Qualcomm’s largest business: Mobile Handsets, with a strong emphasis on AI. The scope spans collection of market requirements, creating product specifications, overseeing execution, and mobile platform strategy development, all at a large, global scale.

Core Dimensions of the Role

Software Execution & Delivery

• Define and manage handset software requirements for OEMs (e.g., Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi)
• Software baselining across chipsets and SKUs
• Kernel strategy, verification, and quality of release (KOR)
• Qualcomm delivery execution at massive scale

Platform Expansion & Ecosystem Enablement

• Extend the handset platform with richer capabilities (e.g., ArcSoft, ecosystem partners)
• Bring external technologies into the Qualcomm platform
• Drive platform extensibility across the broader ecosystem

Future Vision & Software Strategy

• Define long‑term software direction (security, Agentic AI, new paradigms)
• Evaluate build/buy/acquire decisions needed to get there
• Shape roadmap for next‑generation mobile software solutions

Responsibilities

• Set and lead the software strategy for Mobile Handsets, with a clear point of view on how AI and software drive competitive advantage.
• Embed software strategy into business decision making, with working knowledge of financial implications, legal considerations, and go‑to‑market tradeoffs.
• Work closely with internal executives and key stakeholders to gain support and execute long‑term plans.
• Establish key business and technical goals to drive success of the group.
• Identify and work closely with top customers and their executives to establish Qualcomm as an innovative leader in the industry.
• Lead and influence the development of scalable software architectures.
• Provide cross‑functional leadership and influence across product management, engineering, and business unit teams, building consensus in a highly matrixed organization.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Fifteen (15) years of Software Product Management or related technical work experience.
• Six (6) years of leadership experience.
• Four (4) years of working in a large matrixed organization.
• Two (2) years of working with operating budgets and/or project financials.
• Two (2) years of negotiating 3rd party business agreements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Twenty (20) or more years of related professional experience in technology and software product management.
• Ten (10) years of leadership experience.
• Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or Engineering, or a related technical field of study.
• Deep software domain credibility spanning system software, platforms, and developer enablement—sufficient to earn trust with senior architects and engineering leaders.
• Strong understanding of mobile computing systems, including how CPU, GPU, and NPU capabilities come together in real‑world software solutions.
• Fluency in modern AI systems and platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, and related toolchains), with the ability to translate AI trends into platform strategy.
• Proven experience leading large‑scale, multi‑stakeholder software initiatives with enterprise‑level impact.
• Strong executive presence, influence, and communication skills—able to align disparate teams and priorities.
• Business acumen, including comfort engaging on financial, legal, and ecosystem considerations.
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed.
• Mandarin fluency is a plus, reflecting the global nature of the mobile ecosystem.
• Skilled at operating in a complex, cross‑functional organization or company where your teams need to collaborate and integrate with other teams across many disciplines.
• Deep understanding of key macro trends in the industry.

Competencies

Strategic Execution

Ensures execution plan drives key strategic priorities and company goals; has significant impact on the direction of a large number of critical projects. Drives timely, complex, and strategic decisions that have a global reach and/or significant business or financial impact while adhering to Qualcomm standards of ethical behavior.

Coaching & Development

Provides leadership across organizations, developing a strong talent pipeline and driving talent development. Sets clear expectations, drives coaching and mentoring relationships, and creates a culture of inclusion and learning.

Impactful Innovation

Inspires stakeholders, the company culture, and the industry with a visionary approach that shapes the organization by introducing and enabling breakthrough ideas, products, and/or processes. Creates new business opportunities by challenging the organization to push boundaries while taking the appropriate risk and anticipating future needs to transform the product category.

Clear Communication

Translates the strategic vision into succinct and impactful messages that inspire and connect efforts to the broader vision and goals of the company. Acts as a champion for proactive, open, respectful, and inclusive communication.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities.

EEO Statement

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.

Pay Range & Benefits

Pay range for this position is $272,100.00 - $408,100.00. The company also offers a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants, in addition to a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play.