The Senior Staff Audio Engineer at Qualcomm Technologies is a high-impact role responsible for defining and optimizing complex audio subsystems across mobile, automotive, and IoT platforms. This technical authority leads the design of end-to-end audio architectures, including frameworks and kernel-level drivers, while driving advanced feature development such as spatial audio and active noise cancellation. The engineer also focuses on performance optimization and innovative algorithm prototyping to enhance acoustic capabilities. Key responsibilities include providing critical feedback in design reviews, resolving complex integration challenges, and mentoring senior engineers. Essential skills encompass expert proficiency in C/C++ and deep knowledge of Linux/Android kernel audio drivers, along with experience in audio frameworks like Android AudioFlinger and PulseAudio. The role demands extensive industry standards compliance and technical documentation creation for presentation to senior leadership.
Skills
C
C++
Java
Kotlin
Python
Linux
Android
AudioFlinger
AudioPolicyManager
Audio HAL (HIDL/AIDL)
PulseAudio
PipeWire
ALSA
TinyALSA
DSP
Hexagon
I2S
TDM
SLIMbus
SoundWire
USB
HDMI
JTAG
logic analyzers
oscilloscopes
Audio Precision
HEAD acoustus
What you'll do
Lead the definition and design of end-to-end audio architectures for mobile platforms.
Drive the development of advanced audio features like spatial audio and active noise cancellation.
Optimize system performance to reduce power consumption and latency in audio use cases.
Propose and prototype new audio algorithms to enhance acoustic performance and machine perception.
Mentor senior engineers on best practices, code reviews, and architectural patterns.
Ensure compliance with industry standards for USB Audio, Bluetooth A2DP/LE Audio, and Dolby/DTS certifications.
What we're looking for
Expert proficiency in C/C++ and familiarity with Java/Kotlin or Python.
Deep understanding of Linux/Android kernel audio drivers and memory management.
Hands-on experience with Android Audio Frameworks (AudioFlinger, AudioPolicyManager).
Knowledge of standard audio interfaces and debugging tools.
Ability to make critical architectural decisions impacting product timelines.
Communicates complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders effectively.
Operates independently with minimal supervision in ambiguous environments.
Market check
Salary context
This
$162,600–$244,000
range sits above
58%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$143,000–$242,500
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$165,000–$214,500
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
564 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$148,300–$224,400
across 531 roles with salary data.