Wireless Firmware Engineer

Qualcomm

Confirmed live 2 days ago Trusted

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
San Diego, CA
Salary
$103,600–$155,400 / yr
Posted
35 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live 2 days ago
Closes
Feb 3, 2027

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $192k
This role $130k
$89k most similar roles pay here $240k

This role pays less than 91% of similar roles. Most pay $162,000–$222,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $130k versus about $192k 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 623 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $148,300–$222,500 across 603 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Wireless Firmware Engineer

As a Wireless Firmware Engineer within the Cellular Technologies Software team, you will develop and integrate embedded software for advanced features, algorithms, and protocols on new compute, baseband, and RF platforms. You will manage the full development lifecycle to create high-quality technical documentation while optimizing performance and timing constraints in real-time systems. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to support technology characterization, operator trials, and industry showcases. To succeed, you must possess proficiency in C/C++ programming, a solid understanding of multi-threading and OS fundamentals, and experience with signal processing algorithms on heterogeneous processors like GPUs and DSPs. You will work within the wireless R&D domain to solve complex problems involving 5G NR and 802.11 standards, focusing on developing research-grade prototypes and early-stage platforms for next-generation communication technologies.

What you'll do

  • Design, develop, integrate, and maintain embedded software across the full development lifecycle.
  • Optimize performance and timing constraints in real-time embedded systems.
  • Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation including design descriptions and architecture specifications.
  • Implement and optimize signal processing algorithms on general purpose and heterogeneous processors like GPUs and DSPs.
  • Develop device drivers and perform bring-up for new hardware platforms.
  • Debug complex software issues and optimize system performance.
  • Research and implement firmware/software to support 6G, 5G NR, and 802.11 wireless technologies.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ programming.
  • Understanding of multi-threading and OS fundamentals.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to communicate technical ideas and work status clearly in both verbal and written formats.
  • Master's degree or 2 years of experience in fields related to Embedded Software Engineering (preferred).
  • Knowledge of wireless communication theory and systems such as 5G NR and 802.11 (preferred).
  • Experience in signal processing, device drivers, hardware bring-up, and system performance optimization (preferred).

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