Staff Software Engineer – Linux

Stack

Responsibilities

• ▹Design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software.
• ▹Drive Linux platform enablement for Qualcomm's next-generation SoCs.
• ▹Architect, build, and optimize Linux distribution support and infrastructure for internal developer, validation, and product teams.
• ▹Handle image generation, packaging, integration, and CI/CD automation across major Linux distributions (Debian/Ubuntu, RHEL/Fedora).
• ▹Bridge silicon and firmware enablement with modern open-source distribution standards, supporting compute, server, embedded, and IoT platforms.

Requirements

• ▹Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• ▹Strong foundation in computer science and system-level software engineering.
• ▹Advanced Linux experience with the ability to debug complex issues spanning kernel, boot, and userspace.
• ▹Proficiency in Bash and Python for automation and tooling; working knowledge of C/C++.
• ▹Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously in ambiguous, fast-evolving technical environments.
• ▹Strong written and verbal communication skills, collaborating across hardware, firmware, and software teams.
• ▹Proven problem-solving abilities with systems-level thinking.
• ▹Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field plus 4+ years of software engineering experience, OR a Master's degree plus 3+ years, OR a PhD plus 2+ years in a related field.
• ▹2+ years of work experience with a programming language such as C, C++, Java, or Python.

Nice to have

• ▹Deep, hands-on experience with one or more major Linux distributions (RHEL/Fedora, Ubuntu/Debian), including image creation, packaging, update mechanisms, and integration workflows.
• ▹Strong experience with Git and GitHub-based development workflows, including CI/CD system design and maintenance (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins).
• ▹Practical knowledge of Linux packaging ecosystems (RPM and/or Debian), including policy, dependency management, and reproducibility.
• ▹Solid understanding of Linux platform enablement and boot flows (UEFI, edk2, ACPI, GRUB, kconfig).
• ▹Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel or userspace projects.
• ▹Familiarity with Linux desktop environments and developer-facing workflows.
• ▹Experience with virtualization and container technologies (QEMU, KVM, Docker; Kubernetes a plus).

Soft skills

What we offer

• ▹Annual base pay range of $134,800–$202,200.
• ▹Annual discretionary bonus program.
• ▹Opportunity for annual RSU grants.
• ▹Competitive benefits package.

About the company

Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc. is Qualcomm's open-source-focused subsidiary that drives Linux platform enablement for the company's SoCs.