Wireless Firmware Engineer

Qualcomm • San Diego, CA

2d • $103,600 - $155,400

About The Position

Qualcomm Research (QR) is at the forefront of enabling the next generation (6G) of wireless technology. This involves developing research-grade prototypes and early-stage platforms for advancements in RF, baseband, communication protocols, and algorithms. The division also focuses on User Experience (UX) technologies for XR, AI-powered communications, agentic AI, and robotics; multi-modal sensing using RF, vision, and maps; and system architectures to meet and drive industry standards. These end-to-end systems facilitate the characterization and demonstration of advanced technologies, improved application performance, and user experience, leveraging Qualcomm's compute platforms and open-source libraries. The role requires advanced software development across multiple domains, layers, and platforms. This specific position seeks software engineers to develop and integrate embedded software for advanced features, algorithms, and protocols on new compute, baseband, and RF platforms. The ideal candidate will be an innovative and motivated engineer capable of delivering results in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment. Successful applicants will be creative, enthusiastic innovators comfortable with researching new technologies and implementing firmware/software for both cutting-edge research and products.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming.
• Understanding of multi-threading, OS fundamentals.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical ideas and work status (estimates, risks, dependencies) clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively across teams in a fast-paced, collaborative and diverse software engineering environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or 2 years of work experience in fields related to Embedded Software Engineering.
• Knowledge of wireless communication theory and systems such as 5G NR, 802.11.
• Experience in implementing and optimizing signal processing algorithms on general purpose and heterogeneous processors including GPUs and DSPs.
• Experience in complex software debugging and system performance optimization.
• Experience in developing device drivers and bringing up new HW platform.
• Aptitude to seek and adopt productivity enhancement processes/tools (AI-based & other) on top of a strong foundation of technical and programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain embedded software across the full development lifecycle.
• The work output typically targets technology characterization, operator trials, demos, and industry showcases.
• Optimize performance and timing constraints in real-time embedded systems.
• Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation, including design descriptions, architecture specifications, usage and release notes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including but not limited to baseband and RF System engineers, Hardware engineers, test/integration engineers.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute to the evolution of wireless system architectures.

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: Entry Level