Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs in California

Company:
Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General 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.
Drive Linux platform enablement for Qualcomm's next-generation SoCs. Join the Linux Platform team to architect, build, and optimize Linux distribution support and infrastructure that empowers internal developers, validation, and product teams.
This role focuses on upstream-oriented Linux platform enablement, including image generation, packaging, integration, and CI/CD automation across major Linux distributions (Debian/Ubuntu, RHEL/Fedora). The position bridges silicon and firmware enablement with modern open-source distribution standards, supporting compute, server, embedded, and IoT platforms.
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Strong foundation in computer science and system-level software engineering.
• Advanced Linux experience with the ability to debug complex issues spanning kernel, boot, and userspace.
• Proficiency in Bash and Python for automation and tooling; working knowledge of C/C++.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously in ambiguous, fast-evolving technical environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across hardware, firmware, and software teams.
• Proven problem-solving abilities with systems-level thinking.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep, hands-on experience with one or more major Linux distributions (RHEL/Fedora, Ubuntu/Debian), including image creation, packaging, update mechanisms, and integration workflows.
• Strong experience with Git and GitHub-based development workflows, including CI/CD system design and maintenance (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins).
• Practical knowledge of Linux packaging ecosystems (RPM and/or Debian), including policy, dependency management, and reproducibility.
• Solid understanding of Linux platform enablement and boot flows (UEFI, edk2, ACPI, GRUB, kconfig).
• Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel or userspace projects.
• Familiarity with Linux desktop environments and developer-facing workflows.
• Experience with virtualization and container technologies (QEMU, KVM, Docker; Kubernetes a plus).

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.
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).
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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:
$134,800.00 - $202,200.00
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.