Qualcomm
Principal Software Engineer – Mobile Software Architecture
$197K–$295K
San Diego, California · On-site · Principal · Full-time · Posted Oct 7, 2026
- Experience
- Bachelor’s: 8+ years; master’s: 7+ years; PhD: 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. Also 4+ years with a programming language. Preferred qualifications separately mention 10+ years in High Performance Computing System Engineering or Software, including 5+ years in AI system optimization.
- Education
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field. Preferred: Master’s or PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
About the job
Leads end-to-end architecture and commercialization of Snapdragon Mobile system features, coordinating software and hardware teams, OEMs, and external partners.
What you'll do
- Define system architecture for features spanning mobile IPs, SoCs, software layers, and Android; develop AI-focused features and prototypes.
- Set technical direction, resolve cross-team issues, mentor architects, and drive requirements, execution, and commercialization.
- Engage OEMs, Google Android, and partners on requirements, integration, and launch readiness.
What they ask for
- System-level software architecture experience in mobile, embedded, or large-scale platform software; deep Android OS, Linux kernel, and system software expertise.
- Track record leading complex cross-IP, cross-organization system features and working directly with OEMs and external partners.
- Strong technical communication, including executive-level architecture reviews; ability to lead senior technical talent while remaining hands-on.
- Bachelor’s and 8+ years, master’s and 7+ years, or PhD and 6+ years in a related field; plus 4+ years with a programming language such as C, C++, Java, or Python.
Nice to have
- Virtualization, AI/ML system software, NPU/DSP integration, mobile SoC architecture, or HW/SW co-design experience.
- Architecture or platform team leadership; AI system optimization, performance analysis, or AI hardware acceleration experience.
Pay
$197,000.00 - $295,400.00 USD base salary
Tools
Android OS, Linux kernel, C, C++, Java, Python, pKVM, DSP
AI focus
Architect AI-centered Snapdragon Mobile features and system software; preferred experience includes AI/ML system software, NPU/DSP integration, runtime/model management, AI performance optimization, and AI hardware acceleration.
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