Senior Staff Engineer - Linux

Qualcomm • San Diego, CA

5d

About The Position

As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. 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.
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.

Requirements

• 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 Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/or specialized utility programs.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, architecture, test engineers, and other teams to design system-level software solutions.
• Obtain information on performance requirements and interfaces.
• Drive Linux platform enablement for Qualcomm’s next-generation SoCs.
• Architect, build, and optimize Linux distribution support and infrastructure.
• Focus on upstream-oriented Linux platform enablement, including image generation, packaging, integration, and CI/CD automation across major Linux distributions (Debian/Ubuntu, RHEL/Fedora).
• Bridge silicon and firmware enablement with modern open-source distribution standards, supporting compute, server, embedded, and IoT platforms.

Benefits

• Competitive annual discretionary bonus program
• Opportunity for annual RSU grants
• Highly competitive benefits package designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior