Speech and Audio Systems Engineer

Qualcomm • San Diego, CA

2d

About The Position

Qualcomm's Robotics Audio R&D/Systems team is seeking qualified professionals to join its audio division in San Diego, NA. The selected candidate will be responsible for maintaining and developing advanced AI models for speech enhancement, acoustic echo cancellation, neural beamforming, directional voice pickup, identity-based enhancement, distance-based speech isolation, and noise suppression. These technologies will support voice user interaction in humanoid robotics, automotive systems, and other consumer devices.
We are looking for individuals with demonstrated technical excellence in state-of-the-art AI methodologies for tracking and speech enhancement. Creativity and initiative to apply technical expertise toward innovative technologies within the domains of robotics and automotive audio infotainment are highly valued. The team designs algorithms for a broad spectrum of products, including handsets (smartphones), headsets, IoT devices (such as smart speakers and sound bars), automotive applications, and robotics—encompassing nearly all aspects of audio technology.
The successful candidate will also contribute to the development of new algorithms that build on deep learning-based approaches for speech enhancement, acoustic echo cancellation, and noise suppression, addressing use cases such as hands-free voice calls, zonal voice
communications, voice control, keyword spotting, audio context/scene detection, source separation, and fully supervised speaker diarization.
Expertise in deep learning techniques—including extensive knowledge of CNNs, RNNs, autoencoders, and related audio or voice technologies—is required. Additional strengths in areas such as advanced signal processing, multi-rate signal processing, adaptive beamforming, and distributed microphone array processing for tracking and speech enhancement are considered a plus. We welcome candidates who demonstrate both technical depth and creativity in applying their skills to emerging technologies in robotics and automotive audio environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
• OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
• OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• M.S. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
• Works in the lab, can use hazardous chemicals (e.g., glue, machinery).

Nice To Haves

• Strong collaborator
• Skilled communicator and organizer
• Experienced with Adobe Audition for audio analysis
• Works independently and proactively on research ideas
• Published in IEEE and other scholarly venues
• Proficient in PyTorch for AI model development, training, and data augmentation
• Doctorate in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with relevant voice AI background

Responsibilities

• Advancing AI techniques for voice interaction in robotics and automotive.
• Conducting cutting-edge research in speech enhancement with linear and distributed microphone arrays.
• Using multi-microphone AI to detect talker count and directionality.
• Applying multi-rate and adaptive signal processing expertise.
• Prototyping and demonstrating research concepts.
• Filing patents and publishing papers on innovative research relevant to our products.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees