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Compiler Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

Compiler Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Compiler Software Engineer to enable open source developers to build software for Qualcomm silicon. The role involves enhancing compiler toolsets and ...

Qualcomm

Compiler Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Job Area Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Compiler Toolchain Software General Summary Interested in enabling open source developers to build software for millions of devices? Interested in ...

Qualcomm

Compiler Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$116K - $175K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Compiler Toolchain Software General Summary: Interested in enabling open source developers to build software for millions of devices? Interested in leading ...

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Compiler Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do compiler software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for compiler software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compiler software engineer?

A Compiler Software Engineer is a specialized software developer who designs, implements, and maintains compilers. Compilers are programs that translate source code written in one programming language into another, typically from high-level languages like C++ or Python into machine code that a computer can execute. Compiler engineers work on optimizing code performance, ensuring correctness, and supporting new programming language features. They often have strong backgrounds in computer science, algorithms, and systems programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a compiler software engineer?

To thrive as a Compiler Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages (such as C/C++), and compiler theory, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like LLVM, GCC, and debuggers, as well as experience with code optimization and static analysis, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding engineers apart. These skills ensure robust, efficient compiler development and seamless collaboration with development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by compiler software engineers when optimizing code for different hardware architectures?

Compiler Software Engineers often encounter challenges when adapting and optimizing code for various hardware architectures, such as balancing performance improvements with maintaining code portability and correctness. Each architecture may have unique instruction sets, memory hierarchies, and parallelization capabilities, requiring careful tuning of compiler optimizations. Additionally, collaboration with hardware engineers and staying updated on evolving processor technologies are essential to ensure efficient code generation. This aspect of the role provides continuous learning opportunities and keeps the work both dynamic and technically rewarding.

What is the difference between Compiler Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectCompiler Software EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, specialized knowledge in compilersBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, compiler development teamsVaried environments including startups, corporations, freelance projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in compiler design, programming language development, systems softwareWeb, mobile, enterprise applications, software solutions

Compiler Software Engineers focus on designing and optimizing compilers and language tools, often working in specialized teams. Software Developers create a wide range of applications across industries. While both roles require programming skills, Compiler Software Engineers have a niche expertise in language translation and optimization, making their work more specialized.

What are the most commonly searched types of Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California?

For Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California are:

Compiler Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compiler Software Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Compiler Software Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Qualcomm
Technology, Communication and Media • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Qualcommexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Compiler Software Engineer to enable open source developers to build software for Qualcomm silicon. The role involves enhancing compiler toolsets and collaborating with hardware and software engineers to optimize performance and usability for a variety of applications, including machine learning.
Responsibilities:
• Work in the GCC, LLVM, glibc, and related open source communities to add features and improve performance for Qualcomm processors
• Identify areas for improvement in compiler toolsets via benchmarking and code analysis
• Collaborate with hardware teams to plan, identify, and contribute support in open source projects for hardware features in Qualcomm silicon
• Identify areas for improvement in tool usability via interaction with users.
• Explore new optimization frameworks for leveraging advance CPU features.
• Design, develop and contribute compiler features and optimizations targeting open source ML frameworks.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Knowledge and/or experience in compiler frameworks such as GCC or LLVM
• Experience in working with open source communities
• Programming in C/C++
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 1+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with compiler or tools.
Preferred:
• Master’s degree or PhD. in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• Established record of contributions to open source compiler project.
• Strong background in computer architecture
Company:
Qualcomm designs wireless technologies and semiconductors that power connectivity, communication, and smart devices. Founded in 1985, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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