Wireless Senior Firmware Engineer

Qualcomm

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
San Diego, CA
Salary
$129,500–$194,300 / yr
Posted
40 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today
Closes
Mar 16, 2027

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $198k
This role $162k
$117k $247k
below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays less than 78% of similar roles. Most pay $165,000–$231,075 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $162k versus about $198k 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 575 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $147,900–$221,900 across 550 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Wireless Senior Firmware Engineer

The Wireless Senior Firmware Engineer joins the Cellular Technologies Software team within the Qualcomm Research division to drive next-generation 6G wireless research. You will design, develop, integrate, and maintain embedded software across the full development lifecycle, focusing on technology characterization, operator trials, and industry showcases. Daily responsibilities include optimizing performance and timing constraints in real-time embedded systems, creating technical documentation, and collaborating with baseband, RF, and hardware engineers. The role requires proficiency in C/C++ programming, multi-threading, and OS fundamentals. You will work on complex problems involving 5G NR and 802.11 systems, implementing signal processing algorithms on heterogeneous processors like GPUs and DSPs. This position involves bringing up new hardware platforms and developing device drivers to enable transformative experiences in XR, AI-powered communications, and robotics.

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 perform system performance optimizations.
  • Contribute to the evolution of wireless system architectures and emerging technologies.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of experience, Master's degree plus 2 years, or a PhD in 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, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work effectively across teams in a fast-paced, collaborative, and diverse software engineering environment.
  • Knowledge of wireless communication theory and systems such as 5G NR and 802.11 (preferred).
  • Experience in implementing and optimizing signal processing algorithms on general purpose and heterogeneous processors (preferred).

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