Staff Software Engineer – Linux Kernel & Virtualization

Qualcomm

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
San Diego, CA
Salary
$134,800–$202,200 / yr
Posted
104 days ago
Closes
Aug 19, 2026
Nearby
99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $188k
This role $168k
$123k most similar roles pay here $248k

This role pays less than 62% of similar roles. Most pay $161,300–$214,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $168k versus about $188k 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 615 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $148,300–$222,500 across 556 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Staff Software Engineer – Linux Kernel & Virtualization

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As a Staff Software Engineer on the virtualization team, you will design and develop secure virtualization solutions for next-generation SoCs across various platforms including Mobile, Automotive, IoT, and XR/VR. Your daily tasks will involve enhancing Linux Kernel features related to KVM and memory isolation, implementing secure execution environments for Android, and working with ARM-based virtualization technologies like TrustZone. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate KVM onto Qualcomm SoCs, debug complex issues using tools such as GDB and ftrace, and contribute to open-source projects like the Linux Kernel and KVM. Additionally, you will perform pre-silicon development on FPGA platforms and analyze system requirements to propose secure virtualization architectures. The role requires proficiency in C/C++, Rust, Python, and Bash scripting, along with a strong background in Linux Kernel development and ARM architecture. Experience with commercial VMMs like QEMU and contributions to open-source projects are highly valued.

Skills

C/C++ RUST Python Bash Linux Kernel KVM memory management virtio VFIO IOMMU QEMU ARMv8/ARMv9 secure boot Trusted Execution Environment confidential computing Android Virtualization Framework GDB ftrace JTAG debuggers

What you'll do

  • Develop and enhance Linux Kernel features related to virtualization using KVM and memory isolation techniques.
  • Implement secure execution environments for Android and embedded platforms on ARM-based systems.
  • Optimize ARM-based virtualization technologies including hardware-assisted virtualization (ARM VHE, TrustZone).
  • Debug complex virtualization and kernel issues using tools like GDB, ftrace, and JTAG debuggers.
  • Contribute to open-source projects such as Linux Kernel and KVM for secure virtualization solutions.

What we're looking for

  • Extensive experience in Linux Kernel development, focusing on KVM and memory management.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ and Rust, with scripting skills in Python or Bash.
  • Strong background in ARM-based virtualization technologies including TrustZone and VHE.
  • Experience contributing to open-source projects like the Linux Kernel and KVM.
  • Solid understanding of secure boot, TEE, and confidential computing concepts.
  • Hands-on debugging experience using tools such as GDB, ftrace, and JTAG debuggers.
  • Familiarity with virtualization technologies including virtio, VFIO, and IOMMU.

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