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Formal Methods Software Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CPU Formal Verification Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$167.10K - $250.70K/yr

Are you interested in the application of formal methods to the verification of application ... Strong software engineering skills with proven ability in automation and proficiency in at least ...

Formal Verification Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134.80K/yr

... software engineering or related field. Hands on experience with VLSI and digital logic design and verification techniques or formal methods and their application to hardware, software, or ...

Formal Verification Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$134.80K/yr

... software engineering or related field. Hands on experience with VLSI and digital logic design and verification techniques or formal methods and their application to hardware, software, or ...

Formal Verification Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$143.60K/yr

... software engineering or related field. Preferred Qualifications * Hands on experience with VLSI and digital logic design and verification techniques or formal methods and their application to ...

New

Formal Verification Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$167.80K/yr

... software engineering or related field. Preferred Qualifications * Hands on experience with VLSI and digital logic design and verification techniques or formal methods and their application to ...

Software engineering best practices - version control, testing, API design, and building ... Familiarity with formal methods, SAT/SMT solvers, model checking, or theorem proving. Experience ...

Software engineering best practices - version control, testing, API design, and building ... Familiarity with formal methods, SAT/SMT solvers, model checking, or theorem proving. Experience ...

OR · On-site

You will work closely with firmware architects, software developers, and hardware design teams to ... Research, evaluate, and integrate new formal verification methodologies, tools, and algorithms to ...

... formal methods and their application to hardware, software, or systems Interest in learning and ... engineering or related field. Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay is one part of our total ...

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Formal Methods Software Engineering information

See salary details

$99.5K

$169.4K

$200.5K

How much do formal methods software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for formal methods software engineering in the United States is $169,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Formal Methods Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Formal Methods Software Engineer, you need expertise in mathematical logic, formal specification languages, and a strong background in computer science or software engineering. Familiarity with tools such as model checkers (e.g., SPIN, NuSMV), theorem provers (e.g., Coq, Isabelle), and relevant certifications or graduate-level coursework are highly beneficial. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear technical communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the development of highly reliable, error-free software systems, particularly in safety-critical domains.

How does a Formal Methods Software Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering teams during the software development lifecycle?

Formal Methods Software Engineers often work closely with other software engineers, system architects, and quality assurance teams to ensure the correctness and reliability of critical systems. They contribute by developing formal specifications, verifying algorithms, and identifying potential design flaws early in the development process. This collaboration usually involves regular meetings, code reviews, and integration of formal verification tools into the existing development workflow. Effective communication and a clear understanding of both the technical and functional requirements are key to successfully bridging the gap between formal methods and practical software implementation.

What are Formal Methods Software Engineers?

Formal Methods Software Engineers are professionals who use mathematical techniques and logic-based tools to specify, develop, and verify software systems. Their work focuses on ensuring that software behaves correctly and reliably, especially in safety-critical or high-assurance domains like aerospace, automotive, and finance. They often use formal specification languages, model checking, and theorem proving to detect and prevent errors early in the development process. This approach helps to reduce bugs, improve security, and increase overall software quality. Formal Methods Software Engineers typically collaborate with other engineering teams to integrate formal verification into the software development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Formal Methods Software Engineering vs Software Quality Assurance?

AspectFormal Methods Software EngineeringSoftware Quality Assurance
CredentialsComputer Science or Software Engineering degree, certifications in formal methodsQuality assurance certifications like ISTQB, software testing courses
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, research labs, safety-critical industriesTesting teams, project management, client sites
Industry UsageSafety-critical systems, aerospace, automotive, securitySoftware products, applications, enterprise systems
FocusMathematically verifying software correctness and reliabilityEnsuring software quality through testing and process improvement

While Formal Methods Software Engineering emphasizes mathematically proving software correctness, Software Quality Assurance focuses on testing and process adherence to ensure software quality. Both roles are essential in software development but serve different purposes in the development lifecycle.

Infographic showing various Formal Methods Software Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,381 per year, or $81.4 per hour.
CPU Formal Verification Engineer

CPU Formal Verification Engineer

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$167.10K - $250.70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 185 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > CPU Engineering
General Summary:
Are you interested in working with a world-class CPU design team? Are you interested in the application of formal methods to the verification of application processors? In contributing to the development of the next generation of formal methodologies in this space? The Qualcomm CPU team has some of the best CPU architects and engineers on the planet, developing the processors that will power the future. Come and join us on this exciting adventure. Sharpen your formal verification skills to their fullest on some of the complex designs ever attempted.
  • Roles and Responsibilities:
    • Work with design team to understand design intent and bring up verification plans and schedules with an eye towards the end-to-end formalization of the refinement from architecture to micro-architecture
    • Define formal verification architecture, develop test plans and build end-to-end formal sign-off environments for Qualcomm CPU components
    • Engage in full-spectrum deployment of model-checking technology to hardware designs including property verification, math proofs, architectural modeling and validation amongst other cutting-edge application areas

  • To be successful in this position you will need:
    • BA/BS degree in CS/EE with 8+ years of practical experience in application of formal methods in hardware or software
    • Strong model checking or theorem proving background/experience in verification of complex systems
    • Experience in writing assertions and associated modeling code in Hardware Description Languages or in proving correctness of architectural specifications using formal methods
    • Working familiarity with model checkers like Jaspergold and VC-Formal or theorem-proving tools such as ACL2 and HOL

  • The ideal candidate will have the following experience:
    • MS/PhD degree in CS/EE; 4+ years of practical experience
    • Strong foundation in formal methods and in their application to hardware specifications and/or implementations
    • Domain knowledge in one or more of these areas: Microprocessor architecture and micro-architecture, instruction set architecture, floating-point math, memory consistency, memory coherency, security architectures
    • Strong software engineering skills with proven ability in automation and proficiency in at least one programming language (C++, Python, TCL etc.)

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).
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.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
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.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$167,100.00 - $250,700.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

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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