Staff Engineer – Core Platform (Linux Drivers & System Software)

Company: Qualcomm India Private Limited Job Area: Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled Staff Engineer – Core Platform to develop and enable Linux-based system software for next-generation SoCs. The role focuses on Linux kernel driver development, bootloader integration (U‑Boot), and system bring-up, including debugging and performance optimization across key hardware subsystems. Key Responsibilities • Lead SoC bring-up (pre-silicon & post-silicon) and platform enablement • Develop and maintain Linux kernel device drivers • Linux Stability / Crash analysis & debugging • Enable and debug boot flow (ROM → U‑Boot → Linux) • Design and support Board Support Package (BSP) components • Debug system-level issues (HW/SW interaction, kernel crashes, boot failures) • Optimize system performance, latency, and power efficiency • Perform code reviews, design reviews, and mentoring • Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and external ecosystem teams Required Technical Skills Programming & Core Systems • Strong proficiency in C programming • In-depth knowledge of Linux kernel internals • Strong understanding of embedded systems and RTOS concepts Linux Driver Development Hands-on experience with: • Peripheral DMA / Interrupt handling • PCIe/USB subsystem • Storage drivers: NAND, NOR, eMMC • Clock, power management, reset frameworks • I2C, SPI, UART, GPIO drivers • Audio drivers (PCM/ALSA) Bootloader & Low-Level Systems • Experience with U‑Boot development and debugging • Strong understanding of boot architecture and memory initialization • Familiarity with flash subsystems (QSPI / SPI NAND / eMMC) Debugging & Tools • Experience with JTAG / Lauterbach / TRACE32 • Linux debugging tools: dmesg, printk, ftrace, crash analysis • Strong skills in system-level debugging and issue root cause analysis Experience • 10+ years of experience in embedded systems / Linux kernel development • Proven experience in SoC bring-up and BSP development Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. • 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc. 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.