Sr. Staff / Principal Software Engineer – Linux Kernel & ARM Server Platforms
Quick summary
- Work type
- On-site
- Location
- Santa Clara, CAAustin, TX
- Salary
- $180,600–$271,000 / yr
- Posted
- 2 days ago
- Closes
- Dec 12, 2026
- Nearby
- 99+ roles within 25 mi
Market check
Salary context
How this pay compares to similar roles
This role pays more than 69% of similar roles. Most pay $167,800–$237,262 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $226k versus about $203k 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 753 open roles on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs $152,950–$231,000 across 436 roles with salary data.
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At a glance
TL;DR · Sr. Staff / Principal Software Engineer – Linux Kernel & ARM Server Platforms
Qualcomm is hiring a Sr. Staff / Principal-level Software Engineer to lead system-level technical initiatives for next-generation ARM server platforms, focusing on Linux kernel development, firmware optimization, and compliance with industry standards such as ACPI, UEFI, and SystemReady. The role involves collaborating across silicon, OS, and performance teams to enable high-performance ARM server SoCs, ensuring efficient boot flows, runtime firmware management, and virtualization support. Key responsibilities include defining architecture, driving Linux kernel optimizations, and mentoring senior engineers while influencing platform roadmaps through technical leadership. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in system software, firmware development, and hands-on Linux kernel work, along with proficiency in C and low-level systems programming. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives effectively.
Skills
What you'll do
- Provide technical leadership for Linux kernel and firmware in ARM server platforms.
- Define architecture across hardware, firmware, OS, and hypervisor using industry standards.
- Drive performance optimizations and platform driver development for high-performance servers.
- Identify optimization opportunities and architectural risks with cross-functional teams.
- Ensure operating systems run efficiently on Qualcomm server platforms.
What we're looking for
- 12+ years of experience in system software, firmware, or platform software for high-performance or server-class systems.
- Extensive hands-on Linux kernel development and optimization skills.
- Deep understanding of modern server architectures and hardware/software interfaces.
- Proficiency in C and low-level systems programming, with knowledge of assembly language.
- Experience leading cross-functional technical initiatives without direct authority.
- Strong communication skills to work effectively across engineering teams and senior leadership.
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