Linux Kernel Jobs in Livermore, CA (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Applications Engineering

As a Linux Peripheral Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, and customer support of peripheral subsystems on Qualcomm platforms. This role focuses on USB and low‑speed peripheral interfaces such as I2C, I3C, SPI, as well as MIPI-based protocols, enabling robust connectivity and functionality across customer products. You will work closely with customers to review peripheral bus requirements, analyze system‑level use cases, and translate those requirements into software design and implementation. The role involves hands‑on kernel and driver development, debugging, and optimization in Linux and Android environments, as well as on‑site customer support to bring‑up, validate, and resolve peripheral‑related issues on development platforms. You will be involved in customizing, enabling, and optimizing Qualcomm software for customer programs, supporting new hardware bring‑up, and troubleshooting complex protocol‑level issues across USB, QUP-based peripherals, and MIPI interfaces. Strong collaboration with hardware, architecture, validation, and customer engineering teams is expected. The ideal candidate has strong C/C++ programming skills, solid experience with Linux kernel and device driver development, and deep familiarity with peripheral protocols and buses. The candidate should be self‑driven, capable of owning customer issues end‑to‑end, and comfortable working across global teams while delivering documentation, training, and technical guidance to customers.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.

• 3+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
• 3+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with debugging techniques.
• Proven experience as a Linux Kernel Engineer or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of Linux kernel architecture and build tools.
• Strong understanding of Computer Architecture - Caches, Bus, Memory is required.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• The preferred candidate should have knowledge in the following areas:
• Camera, Display, AR/VR, Video, Graphics, BSP software
• Strong understanding of system performance tuning and optimization.
• Extensive experience with Linux kernel development, debugging, and profiling tools.
• Proficiency in programming with real‑time operating systems or microkernels, particularly on ARM architectures or Qualcomm's Hexagon microprocessor.
• Advanced C/C++ programming skills with a minimum of 3 years of experience in embedded software systems. Experience in creating or managing software build environments using tools such as Make, CMake, and Git.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python).
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Familiarity with specific Linux distributions and their kernel customization processes (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Rocky Linux).

• Frequently transports between offices, buildings, and campuses up to ½ mile.
• Frequently transports and installs equipment up to 5 lbs.
• Performs required tasks at various heights (e.g., standing or sitting).
• Monitors and utilizes computers and test equipment for more than 6 hours a day.
• Continuous communication which includes the comprehension of information with colleagues, customers, and vendors both in person and remotely.

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.

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$104,000.00 - $156,000.00

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. and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.