CPU Software Architecture Staff Engineer

Qualcomm

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: San Diego, CA
Salary: $134,800–$202,200 / yr
Posted: 2 days ago
Closes: Nov 29, 2026
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

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Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $182k

This role $168k

$123k most similar roles pay here $246k

This role pays less than 60% of similar roles. Most pay $149,225–$214,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $168k versus about $182k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm is a leading American semiconductor and telecommunications company based in San Diego, CA.

Qualcomm currently has 615 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $148,300–$222,500 across 556 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · CPU Software Architecture Staff Engineer

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Qualcomm Technologies seeks a senior CPU software engineer for its application processor architecture group, where you will contribute to the design and development of low-level firmware for bootstrapping, power management, and debugging on high-performance CPUs. Your responsibilities include defining short-term and long-term software roadmaps in alignment with Arm’s architecture evolution, collaborating with global partners like Google and Microsoft, and resolving critical software issues related to CPU microarchitecture. The role requires expertise in C/C++, computer architecture, ARM or RISC-V architectures, and experience with embedded platforms including low-level drivers and firmware. You will work on heterogeneous compute systems and have a deep understanding of SoC hardware blocks such as clocks, GPIOs, and interrupt controllers. This position offers extensive exposure to multiple technology domains within system-on-chip development and requires strong communication skills and the ability to influence product roadmaps at Qualcomm.

Skills

C C++ ARM RISC-V RTOS J-TAG ICE Linux Kernel Driver Development Embedded Systems Multi-core CPUs Memory Consistency Coherency Virtualization Security Super Scalar Architectures Heterogeneous Compute Platforms SPI I2C PCIE CAN Ethernet USB UFS Clocks PLLs GPIO Interrupt Controllers GIC PLIC

What you'll do

Design and develop firmware for CPU bootstrapping and power management.
Coordinate debugging of critical software issues related to high-performance microarchitecture.
Define short-term and long-term software architecture roadmaps aligned with Arm’s ISA evolution.
Represent the CPU SW team in engagements with Arm/RISC-V architects and third-party partners.
Influence product development by providing expertise on memory consistency, coherency, and virtualization.

What we're looking for

5+ years experience in embedded domain for software design and development.
Expertise in computer architecture including memory consistency, coherency, virtualization, security, and super scalar architectures.
Strong C/C++ programming skills with hands-on driver development on RTOS.
Deep understanding of ARM or RISC-V architectures and system-wide performance bottlenecks.
Experience in low-level firmware development for CPU bootstrapping and power management.
Proven ability to work effectively across different geographies and engage with senior management.

Remote

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Staff Software Systems Engineer

Abbott

Pleasanton, CA 84 days ago $114,000–$228,000

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