Principal Robotics AI Software Lead

Nuvia

Nuvia

Software Engineering, Data Science
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 200,800-301,200 / year + Equity
Posted on Oct 28, 2025

Job Description

Job Posting Date

2025-10-27

Additional Job Posting Location

Santa Clara USA


Company:

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Engineering

General Summary:

Qualcomm Advanced Robotics Team is building an AI stack and platform for next-generation intelligent machines, from AMRs and cobots to emerging humanoids. We pair heterogeneous compute (CPU/GPU/DSP/NPU) with a full Robotics SDK and developer tooling for perception, navigation, manipulation, and fleet workflows. Our mission is to accelerate robotics innovation by leveraging Qualcomm’s leadership in AI, connectivity, and safety architecture.

Role Overview

As Robotics AI Software Lead, you will be the senior technical owner for Qualcomm’s robotics AI software platform. You will define end-to-end architecture, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver production-grade SDKs and reference solutions that customers can deploy at scale. This role combines deep systems expertise with hands-on leadership across AI-driven perception, planning, and control.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 8+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 7+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 6+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong proficiency in C++ and Python; experience with ROS2/DDS.
  • Expertise in robotics AI, including deep learning, reinforcement learning, and motion planning
  • Experience with real-time systems, embedded platforms, and heterogeneous compute optimization.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools (Gazebo, Isaac Sim) and AI frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
  • Knowledge of functional safety standards and deterministic system design.

Key Responsibilities

  • Architecture Ownership: Define and evolve the robotics AI software architecture, including runtime, QoS, and safety envelopes across Linux and MCU subsystems.
  • AI Integration: Lead design and implementation of AI-based modules for perception (VIO/VSLAM, semantic scene understanding), planning, and manipulation.
  • Performance Optimization: Optimize algorithms for heterogeneous compute platforms (CPU/GPU/DSP/NPU) and ensure real-time performance for robotics workloads.
  • SDK Delivery: Ship Qualcomm Robotics SDK with high-quality APIs, samples, and build toolchains; enforce CI/CD and release criteria.
  • Validation & Testing: Drive real-world validation using simulation-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop; establish metrics for robustness and determinism.
  • Cross-functional Leadership: Collaborate with hardware, AI research, and product teams to align roadmap and deliver integrated solutions.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).

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EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:

$200,800.00 - $301,200.00

The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.