Staff Embedded Software EngineerQualcomm is seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer (6+ years of experience) to join the Core Platform Kernel software team. The Core Platform Kernel team develops and deploys real-time operating system (RTOS) software across multiple subsystems on Qualcomm SoCs, servicing Mobile Handset, XR, Compute, Automotive, Cloud AI, and IoT market segments. The team is responsible for the deployment and evolution of two RTOS platforms at scale: QuRT OS and Zephyr RTOS.This role is suited for engineers who enjoy deep technical work, take ownership of complex problems, and influence both system design and engineering execution across teams.
What You'll Do As a Staff Engineer, you will:Design, implement, and maintain RTOS and low-level system software componentsOwn and drive resolution of complex, system-level issues (performance, stability, correctness)Lead feature design and implementation from problem definition through deploymentAnalyze crash dumps, traces, and logs to perform deep root-cause analysisCollaborate closely with hardware, systems, validation, and software teams to converge on robust solutionsParticipate actively in design and code reviews, influencing technical direction and standardsYou'll be expected to take ownership of technical areas, make sound tradeoffs, and help raise the quality and effectiveness of the team through example and technical leadership.QuRT OS QuRT OS is Qualcomm's real-time operating system optimized for the Hexagon DSP, enabling high-performance, low-power workloads including edge AI, 5G modem processing, and secure audio and sensor pipelines. In the QuRT OS space, you will:Drive enhancements to expose the full capability of the Hexagon processor architectureDesign and implement new RTOS features with attention to correctness, performance, and long-term maintainabilityOwn features end-to-end: requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation, integration, and supportContribute to improving CI, automation, and test infrastructure to scale development and validationZephyr RTOS The team is also responsible for deploying Zephyr RTOS across multiple Qualcomm SoC subsystems. We specialize in maintaining a single, scalable Zephyr codebase that supports multiple architectures and subsystems with differing requirements. In the Zephyr space, you will:Design and implement subsystem customizations and new featuresDrive RTOS bring-up on new chips and subsystemsContribute upstream to the Zephyr open-source communityInfluence internal practices to align with upstream-friendly workflows and quality standardsHelp shape CI, testing, and validation approaches used across productsHow You Work (Tools, Automation & Modern Engineering) Staff Engineers at Qualcomm are expected to be force multipliers, not just individual contributors. In practice, this means:Thoughtfully applying modern development tools, including AI-assisted tools, where they meaningfully improve productivity, code quality, or comprehensionLeveraging non-AI tools—automation, scripting, CI, debuggers, profilers, and simulation—to reduce friction and improve signalExercising strong engineering judgment about when to use automation and when deeper hands-on investigation is requiredIdentifying opportunities to improve how the team works, not just what gets builtYou are not expected to be an AI expert, but you are expected to be tool-fluent, curious, and pragmatic.Required QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related fieldStrong hands-on experience with RTOS concepts and low-level system softwareProfessional experience developing embedded software in C/C++ (assembly experience a plus)Solid understanding of RTOS fundamentals such as scheduling, interrupts, synchronization, and memory managementExperience debugging complex system issues using logs, traces, crash dumps, and/or hardware debuggersAbility to work effectively across teams and communicate technical ideas clearlyNice to HaveExperience with QuRT, Zephyr, FreeRTOS, or other commercial/open-source RTOSesExposure to multi-core SoC architectures and DSP-based systemsOff-target development or simulation (ISS, QEMU)CI and automation experience (Jenkins, GitHub Actions)Experience with embedded security or safety-critical software (ASPICE, ISO-26262, ISO-21434)Why This Team This team works at the foundation of Qualcomm platforms, building RTOS software that runs across a wide range of products and market segments. As a Staff Engineer on this team, you'll work close to the hardware, tackle technically challenging problems, and influence both system design and engineering practices. The team values analytical thinking, collaboration, clear communication, and continuous improvement. Staff Engineers are expected to lead through technical expertise—mentoring others, shaping design decisions, and helping the team deliver higher-quality software at scale—while still staying hands-on with the code.Minimum Qualifications:• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. OR PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. • 2+ years of experience with high-performance microprocessor design.Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits: $154,000.00 - $231,000.00