Director of Engineering, Automotive Software

Qualcomm

Confirmed live yesterday Trusted

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
San Diego, CA
Salary
$207,600–$311,400 / yr
Posted
161 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday
Closes
Sep 30, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $248k
This role $260k
$172k most similar roles pay here $326k

This role pays more than 62% of similar roles. Most pay $207,475–$288,275 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $260k versus about $248k 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 623 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $148,300–$222,500 across 603 roles with salary data.

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View all roles at Qualcomm

At a glance

TL;DR · Director of Engineering, Automotive Software

Director of Engineering – Automotive Software joins the Automotive Software Platform team to oversee the entire lifecycle of automotive software projects from concept to completion. This high-visibility role involves coordinating technical workstreams for Cockpit and ADAS programs while serving as the primary technical point of contact for SoC, platform software, tools, and system integration. The successful candidate will manage project schedules, mitigate risks, and translate customer requirements into platform features while ensuring compliance with safety and quality frameworks like ISO 26262 and ASPICE. Key responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and systems to meet milestones. Required skills include proficiency in C, C++, Java, or Python, along with expertise in embedded software stacks including QNX, Linux, and Android. The role solves complex integration challenges within the automotive domain by aligning internal engineering efforts with OEM requirements.

What does a Engineering Director earn?

Median $307000 from 31 postings across 22 companies.

See salary data

What you'll do

  • Act as the primary technical point of contact for OEM engineering leadership regarding SoC, platform software, and system integration.
  • Manage the entire lifecycle of automotive software projects from initial concept through development, validation, and post-SOP maintenance.
  • Translate customer requirements into specific Qualcomm platform features, technical solutions, and product roadmap requirements.
  • Lead technical workstreams for RFIs, RFQs, and advanced engagement discussions with automotive partners.
  • Coordinate internal cross-functional teams in hardware, software, systems, safety, and security to meet project milestones.
  • Resolve critical technical issues by managing escalations and ensuring clear communication between customers and internal management.
  • Represent the "voice of the customer" in internal forums to align product management and engineering on priority gaps.
  • Mentor and guide cross-functional teams to prioritize tasks and solve complex system problems effectively.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of experience, Master's with 7+ years, or PhD with 6+ years in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • At least 4 years of work experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python.
  • Extensive experience in software engineering including project management and leadership roles.
  • Strong background in automotive systems engineering focusing on compute platform architecture and embedded software stacks like QNX, Linux, or Android.
  • Solid understanding of automotive safety and quality frameworks such as ISO 26262, ASPICE, and cybersecurity standards.
  • Proven experience as a customer-facing technical leader in roles such as chief engineer, system architect, or technical program lead.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams within a complex matrix organization.
  • Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

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