Qualcomm Technologies is hiring a Principal Engineer to lead the technical direction of scale-out networking in next-generation AI accelerator platforms, focusing on end-to-end system design across hardware, firmware, and software layers. This role involves defining multi-server architecture for RoCE-based RDMA data paths, architecting and reviewing kernel drivers, firmware interfaces, and user-space libraries, while also engaging with partners to drive technical alignment and influence ecosystem-level designs. The ideal candidate has 10-15+ years of experience in system software or networking engineering, expertise in Linux kernel networking, RDMA/RoCE stacks, and firmware-software interfaces, along with strong debugging skills across hardware, firmware, and operating systems. Experience in AI, HPC, or accelerator-based platforms is preferred, as the role requires deep technical engagement and leadership in a rapidly evolving domain.
Skills
Linux
RoCE
RDMA
NICs
Firmware
Linux_kernel_drivers
User_space_libraries
PCIe
DMA
C
C++
X86
ARM64
UAL
ESUN
Debugging
Cross_org_collaboration
System_architecture
Scale_out_systems
Multi_server_inference
Disaggregated_serving
What you'll do
Define and evolve RoCE-based RDMA data paths for AI inference.
Architect and review firmware interfaces enabling peer-to-peer transfers.
Lead technical design-ins with NIC vendors and switch partners.
Drive system-level tradeoffs across hardware, firmware, and software layers.
Mentor senior engineers through architecture reviews and debugging sessions.
What we're looking for
10+ years of experience in system software, networking, or platform engineering
Proven track record building scale-out server or cluster architectures
Strong hands-on expertise with Linux kernel networking and drivers
Extensive experience with RDMA/RoCE stacks (kernel and user space)
Excellent systems-level debugging skills across hardware/firmware/software boundaries
BS/MS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent
Market check
Salary context
This
$192,600–$289,000
range sits above
84%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$140,650–$225,000
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$146,425–$216,361
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm is a leading American semiconductor and telecommunications company based in San Diego, CA.
Qualcomm currently has
595 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$148,300–$222,500
across 540 roles with salary data.
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