Qualcomm is seeking a low-level embedded engineer with a strong foundation in software and processor architecture to help shape architectural features and deliver measurable performance enhancements on Qualcomm’s Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This role will work across the instruction set architecture, operating system, and processor architecture, partnering tightly with hardware and software teams to turn ML workload insights into architecture and software optimizations.

The ideal candidate will be proficient in processor architecture, C/C++ and assembly, embedded operating systems, and performance profiling tools. Experience with AI workloads and large language models (LLMs) is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities:

Model, benchmark, and analyze performance of multi-threaded and multi-processor software.
Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks across software, architecture, and micro-architecture layers.
Analyze ML KPIs to guide optimization efforts.
Collaborate with cross functional teams (architecture, compiler/runtime, kernel/RTOS, drivers, ML frameworks) to land optimizations in production.
Author clear design documents, performance studies, and best software practices.
Stay current with advancements in computer architecture, micro-architecture, and AI model design.

Qualifications:

Proficiency in debugging, performance analysis and profiling.
Strong background in operating systems, computer architecture, and micro-architecture (pipelines, caches, memory hierarchy, coherence).
Experience with multi-threaded and multi-processor systems.
Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar.
Excellent problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and clear written/verbal communication.
Ability to collaborate across hardware/software domains.

Preferred Skills:

Hands-on experience with debugging (gdb, lldb, winDbg or similar) and performance profiling tools (perf, VTune, Nsight or similar).
Familiarity with SIMD and SPMD execution models.
Understanding of hardware-software co-design principles.
Familiarity with linear algebra, and precision aware arithmetic is a plus.
Understanding of how ML architectures map to the hardware is a plus.
Knowledge of ML frameworks and libraries (ggml/llama.cpp or similar) is a plus.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of relevant experience, OR
Master’s degree in a related field and 1+ years of relevant experience, OR
PhD in a related field.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.

• 2+ years of experience with high-performance microprocessor design.

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).

To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.

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:

$127,200.00 - $190,800.00

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.

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