Company: Software EngineeringGeneral Summary: As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next‑generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Software Engineer, you will design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and /or specialized utility programs that launch cutting‑edge, world class products that meet and exceed customer needs. Qualcomm Software Engineers collaborate with systems, hardware, architecture, test engineers, and other teams to design system‑level software solutions and obtain information on performance requirements and interfaces.Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.Master’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.Ph D in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.4+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.Firmware Engineer, Principal The Embedded Software / Firmware Team at Qualcomm develops critical embedded software that powers high‑performance multi‑standard Serializer/Deserializer (Ser Des) PHY IP used in next‑generation data center, AI/ML, automotive, and compute applications. Our Ser Des IPs support standards such as PCIe, Ethernet, CXL, and are integrated into So Cs and ASICs built by leading semiconductor companies around the world.The firmware team owns the full embedded software stack that controls the Ser Des hardware, including low‑level embedded firmware, customer‑facing C SDKs, demo & automation scripts, and interactive tools. As a key enabler of silicon bring‑up, validation, and production deployment, we work closely with hardware, systems, DV, validation, and application teams across the product lifecycle—from early development to high‑volume manufacturing. Replacement Position.What You Can Expect Core responsibilities for the firmware team include:Embedded firmware running on RISC‑V‑based controllers that manage Qualcomm’s advanced Ser Des datapathsPython and C SDKs provided to customers for Ser Des bring‑up, calibration, tuning, and diagnosticsPython‑based lab tools and GUIs for interactive debug, register access, and validationBuild, regression,



and CI infrastructure to ensure code quality and full coverageYou’ll play a key leadership role in delivering robust, production‑quality firmware for Ser Des PHY IP. You’ll help define architecture, drive features end‑to‑end, coordinate across cross‑functional teams, and directly influence the design and usability of Qualcomm's IP.In this position, you will be: Technical or project lead for Ser Des firmware on a major IP program, working with a team (2–8 engineers) through planning, development, validation, and customer deliveryArchitecting and implementing embedded C/C++ firmware for hardware calibration, training algorithms, DSP adaptations, and link state managementDebugging complex lab and field issues in conjunction with hardware, applications, and validation teamsDriving and collaborating across functions to define FW milestones, plan sprints, close tickets, and ensure delivery of reliable and high‑quality featuresTranslating protocol specifications (e.G. PCIe, Ethernet, CXL) or custom system‑level requirements into internal firmware architecture and documentationSupporting development and silicon bring‑up across Qualcomm teams and other sitesExample Problems You’ll Solve Mentoring a junior engineer through a hard‑to‑reproduce PHY calibration bug seen in customer siliconDeveloping architecture and state machines to handle multi‑lane synchronization or adaptive equalization across dynamic conditionsPorting a high‑level MATLAB or Python Ser Des calibration algorithm to optimized fixed‑point firmwareCreating a Ser Des diagnostics framework accessible via both SDK and GUIUsing simulation environments and FPGA emulation to validate FW behavior before tapeoutWorking with IP hardware architects to influence future revisions based on field debug learningsWhat You’ll Do BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field7+ years of experience in embedded C/C++ firmware development for hardware IP or So CsTechnical or team leadership experience in embedded software projects from spec to productionDeep understanding of microcontroller architecture (RISC‑V a plus), memory‑mapped registers, ISRs, and boot flowsStrong lab debug skills, working directly on silicon with scopes, analyzers,



and custom toolsFamiliarity with git and modern software development methodologiesExcellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across functions and geographiesPreferred Experience: Knowledge of Ser Des, high‑speed IO standards (PCIe, Ethernet, UCIe, CXL, etc)Experience with calibration algorithms, signal conditioning, and adaptive feedback control in hardwareExperience in silicon bring‑up and post‑silicon debugExperience in pre‑silicon firmware development (DV, emulation, etc)Knowledge of RTOS or bare‑metal FW architecturesScripting in Python, Bash, etc. for lab automation and testingFamiliarity with digital design concepts (Verilog/System Verilog), simulation, and DV flowsExposure to the OSI model, especially physical and data link layersUnderstanding of signal processing concepts such as eye diagrams, jitter, BER, SNR, CTLE/DFE/FFE, etc.Applicants: Qualcomm is an equal prospect 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@ 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Firmware Engineer, Principal Toronto, Ontario, Canada Software Engineering Flexible Location Posted
🏢 Qualcomm
📍 Toronto