AI Software Engineer – NPU/Hexagon DSP Kernel Optimization

Company: Qualcomm India Private Limited Job Area: Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Engineering General Summary: We are looking for an embedded software engineer to develop and optimize AI software for Qualcomm NPU and Hexagon DSP processors. The role focuses on high-performance neural network kernels, runtime efficiency, new operator enablement, and close collaboration with architecture teams on next-generation AI platforms. Key Responsibilities • Develop and optimize AI software components for Qualcomm NPU and Hexagon DSP processors. • Implement high-performance neural network kernels/operators with focus on latency, power, memory, and throughput. • Profile runtime bottlenecks and apply hardware-aware software optimizations. • Partner with architecture and hardware teams to improve future NPU and DSP capabilities. • Support customer issue resolution, performance tuning, and platform bring-up. Required Skills and Experience • 2 to 10 years of experience in embedded software development, preferably in AI, DSP, NPU, or performance-critical systems • Strong C/C++ programming skills and solid understanding of processor architecture, operating systems, and multi-processor concepts. • Understanding of deep learning architectures, neural network operators, runtime systems, graph execution, and operator implementation. • Experience with kernel optimization, fixed-point computation, quantization, mathematical/numerical optimization. • Knowledge of memory hierarchy, cache behavior, MMU/IOMMU, bandwidth optimization, and software-hardware co-optimization for AI accelerators. • Exposure to SIMD, vector processing, assembly, profiling, benchmarking, debugging, or low-level optimization techniques. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant work experience; or • Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a related field with 1+ year of relevant work experience. Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience. OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Systems Engineering or related work experience. Applicants: 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). 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. 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. If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.