Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Sacramento, CA (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Engineering Group > Software Engineering

Qualcomm is seeking a Sr. Staff / Principal-level Software Engineer to provide system‑level technical leadership for next‑generation ARM server platforms. This role spans Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software, with responsibility for shaping architecture, guiding cross‑functional execution, and ensuring production‑quality delivery for hyperscale datacenter environments.

This role works across silicon, firmware, OS, and performance teams to enable high‑performance ARM server SoCs, optimize system software, and ensure compliance with industry platform standards.

• Provide system‑level technical leadership across Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software for ARM server SoCs.
• Define and guide architecture across HW FW OS hypervisor boundaries using standards such as ACPI, UEFI, SystemReady, SBSA/SBBR, and PSCI.
• Drive Linux kernel enablement, performance optimizations, and platform drivers for high‑performance server platforms.
• Collaborate with silicon, performance, RAS, security, and platform teams to identify optimization opportunities and architectural risks.
• Guide boot flows, runtime firmware, power and performance management, virtualization, memory, PCIe, and telemetry enablement.
• Ensure operating systems run efficiently on Qualcomm server platforms and evolve to support new architectural features.
• Review designs and implementations to ensure scalability, robustness, and production readiness.
• Influence SoC and platform roadmaps through system‑level analysis and technical leadership.
• Mentor senior engineers and serve as a technical authority across firmware and system software domains.

• 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.
• PhD 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 languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

• 12+ years of experience in system software, firmware, or platform software for high‑performance or server‑class systems.
• 10+ years of hands‑on Linux kernel development experience.
• Strong understanding of modern server architectures and the HW/SW interface.
• Proficiency in C and low‑level systems programming (assembly is a plus).
• Experience with firmware, boot loaders, and pre‑ and post‑silicon debug environments.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional technical initiatives without direct authority.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering teams and senior leadership.
• Master’s degree or equivalent industry experience.
• 15+ years of experience building production software stacks for high‑performance or datacenter platforms.
• Experience delivering production server SoCs or hyperscale platforms.
• Familiarity with ARM, OCP, or industry platform standards bodies.
• Experience working with hyperscaler or large datacenter customers.

$192,600.00 - $289,000.00

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.

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.

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.

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.