Director/Principal Engineer – Automotive Software

Qualcomm

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
San Diego, CA
Salary
$192,600–$289,000 / yr
Posted
2 days ago
Closes
Dec 13, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $211k
This role $241k
$149k most similar roles pay here $304k

This role pays more than 75% of similar roles. Most pay $182,725–$240,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $241k versus about $211k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 similar postings.

Employer

About Qualcomm

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

Qualcomm currently has 757 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $151,900–$229,800 across 444 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Director/Principal Engineer – Automotive Software

Qualcomm Technologies seeks a Director/Principal level Customer Project Engineer for their Automotive Software Platform team, where you will oversee the entire lifecycle of automotive software projects from concept to completion, ensuring they meet quality standards and are delivered on time. You will develop a deep understanding of OEM roadmaps and requirements, lead technical aspects of business acquisition and delivery execution, and represent customer needs internally. Key responsibilities include acting as the chief technical counterpart for Cockpit (IVI), ADAS programs, managing external deliverables, leading technical workstreams, coordinating internal engineering teams, and ensuring project compliance with automotive safety standards like ISO 26262. The role requires extensive software engineering experience, a strong background in automotive systems engineering, and proven leadership skills in complex matrix organizations.

What you'll do

  • Lead technical aspects of business acquisition, delivery execution, and post-SOP maintenance for automotive projects.
  • Develop and manage project schedules, coordinate tasks, and ensure timely completion within quality standards.
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact for SoC, platform software, tools, and system integration topics.
  • Anticipate customer needs and translate them into Qualcomm’s product requirements and solutions.
  • Coordinate internal engineering teams to meet customer milestones and resolve critical technical issues.
  • Represent customer priorities in internal reviews and ensure alignment with their commitments and risks.

What we're looking for

  • Extensive experience in automotive systems engineering, including compute platform architecture and embedded SW stacks.
  • Proven track record of managing complex software projects from concept to completion.
  • Strong background in automotive safety and quality frameworks (ISO 26262, ASPICE).
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills for interfacing with senior executives.
  • Experience as a customer-facing technical leader in similar roles.
  • Solid understanding of software development methodologies and tools.

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