About The Role:
Qualcomm is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the architecture and integration of next-generation RISC-V CPU sub-systems used across modem, connectivity, and embedded control-plane solutions. This role spans architecture definition, system integration, and silicon execution, collaborating across CPU RTL, SoC, firmware, modeling, and verification teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Own CPU sub-system architecture including core integration, cache hierarchy, memory, and interconnect
Define architecture specifications and integration guidelines
Lead integration into complex SoCs and align across HW/SW teams
Drive PPA tradeoffs (performance, power, area)
Diagnose system-level issues across architecture, RTL, DV, and firmware
Act as technical focal point across global teams
Lead architecture and design reviews
Mentor engineers across architecture and VLSI teams
Define and integrate NoC architecture including traffic, QoS, and scalability
Define and work with high-performance bus protocols including AXI and CHI
Minimum Qualifications:
B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering / Computer Science
10+ years of experience
Strong background in CPU/SoC architecture
Deep knowledge of cache, memory, and interconnect systems
Experience with RISC-V or similar architectures
Strong RTL development experience
Experience with NoC architecture and on-chip interconnects
Experience with AXI / CHI protocols
Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Ownership of CPU or subsystem through full silicon lifecycle
Experience with NoC / interconnect / DDR systems
Strong understanding of AXI/CHI coherency and system integration
Experience with multi-core system design
Familiarity with firmware-HW interaction
Experience in global cross-functional teams
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree or PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
8+ years of experience with programming (e.g., C, C++, Python), computer architecture, or embedded systems.
4+ years of experience working in a large matrixed organization.
4+ years in a technical leadership role with or without direct reports (only applies to positions with direct reports).
3+ years of work experience in a role requiring interaction with senior leadership (e.g., Vice President level and above).
2+ years working with operating budgets and/or project financials.
1+ year of applicable wireless, semiconductor and/or embedded software industry experience.
6+ months of WWAN modem development specific experience.
Principal Duties And Responsibilities:
Leverages expert understanding to make architectural decisions and lead multiple areas within modem hardware, systems, or firmware; serves as subject matter expert and advisor to cross-functional teams; conducts design reviews, makes project schedules and delivers to those project schedules across multiple technologies to deliver modem products in meeting customer needs and aligning with the broader strategy/roadmap.
Serves as a technical expert in identifying patterns of issues in design and implications for work across teams; provides support to multiple teams to address issues and generate solutions; creates well-defined architectures that meet ambiguous requirements and/or have a financial impact; communicates technical vision and guides cross-functional efforts across multiple teams to design products and solutions that meet customer requirements and standards.
Acts as a technical lead and owns complete verification for system, including system performance and quality; supports multiple teams through verification and validation of design; defines specifications for modem quality; works with leaders to guide architectural decisions related to modem and/or products.
Provides technical expertise and collaborates with leaders to resolve systems-level issues during implementation and commercialization; owns successful modem technology bring-up and resolution of customer/field issues.
Acts as a technical expert to others on industry trends, competitors' products, and advances in various engineering fields related to modem products and technology; shares expertise within and/or across teams.
Leverages deep technical expertise to identify trends and define future solutions by contributing to discussions on the short- and long-term strategic direction of the product/technology roadmaps.
Guides team members to write clear and detailed technical documentation and feature descriptions; reviews documentation to ensure it can be easily understood by a variety of audiences.
Level Of Responsibility:
Working independently with little supervision.
Providing supervision to others who may be direct reports.
Making decisions that are significant in impact, influencing overall program or project success, finances, and/or the ability to meet objectives; errors are not readily apparent due to the complexity of work process/product or time between decisions and results; errors typically result in significant expenditure of time, resources, and funds to correct.
Using verbal and written communication skills to convey complex and/or detailed information to multiple individuals/audiences with differing knowledge levels; may require strong negotiation and influence, communication to large groups or high-level constituents.
Developing and administering budgets, schedules, and performance standards for functional area within the prescribed budgetary objectives of the department.
Having a great degree of influence over key organizational decisions (e.g., is making or directly making key decisions that have substantial impact on the organization).
Completing tasks that do not have defined steps; simultaneous use of multiple mental abilities is generally required to determine the best approach; mistakes may result in significant rework.
Exercising exceptional creativity to innovate new ideas and develop innovative products/processes without established objectives or known parameters.
Using deductive and inductive problem solving; multiple approaches may be taken/necessary to solve the problem; often information is missing or conflicting; advanced data analysis and interpretation skills are required.
Occasionally participating in strategic planning within own area affecting immediate operations.
References to a particular number of years experience are for indicative purposes only. Applications from candidates with equivalent experience will be considered, provided that the candidate can demonstrate an ability to fulfill the principal duties of the role and possesses the required competencies.
