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Windows Driver Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

#Windows Driver Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Embedded Windows software and good programming skills. * Solid understanding of Operating System ... Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools. * Processor architecture and ...

Zoomcar

Senior Windows Software Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150 - $183/hr

Demonstrated experience with Windows driver programming. * Exhibit excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. * Be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced ...

Fortinet

Senior Windows Software Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $183K/yr

Demonstrated experience with Windows driver programming. * Exhibit excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. * Be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced ...

Bolt Graphics

GPU Driver Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175 - $250/hr

Experience developing drivers for Windows and Linux * Deep understanding ofUserMode and KernelMode ... Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming * Experience with code analysis,IR (LLVM, MLIR, ISPC ...

Bolt Graphics, Inc.

GPU Driver Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175 - $250/hr

Experience developing drivers for Windows and Linux * Deep understanding ofUserMode and KernelMode ... Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming * Experience with code analysis,IR (LLVM, MLIR, ISPC ...

Bolt Graphics

GPU Driver Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Experience developing drivers for Windows and Linux * Deep understanding of User Mode and Kernel ... Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming * Experience with code analysis, IR (LLVM, MLIR, ISPC), and ...

Upwind Security

Windows Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

Work closely with frontend, backend, and DevOps teams to deliver exceptional features Requirements ... Experience developing Windows Kernel Drivers * Experience developing Windows Security modules ...

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Windows Driver Developer information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$133.2K

$220.6K

How much do windows driver developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows driver developer in California is $133,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,600.00 and $157,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Windows driver developer?

A Windows Driver Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining device drivers that enable hardware components to communicate with the Windows operating system. They work with low-level programming languages like C and C++, using frameworks such as the Windows Driver Kit (WDK). Their role often involves debugging, optimizing performance, and ensuring compatibility with different Windows versions. These developers collaborate with hardware engineers and software teams to ensure seamless hardware functionality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Windows driver developer?

A Windows Driver Developer should have strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, solid knowledge of Windows operating system internals, and experience with kernel-mode software development. Familiarity with tools like Visual Studio, Windows Driver Kit (WDK), and version control systems, as well as certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Developer Associate, are highly valued. Attention to detail, effective problem-solving, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly are crucial soft skills for the role. These skills enable developers to create robust, secure, and high-performance drivers that integrate seamlessly with complex hardware and software ecosystems.

What are some typical challenges faced by Windows driver developers in their day-to-day work?

Windows Driver Developers commonly encounter challenges such as debugging low-level kernel issues, ensuring compatibility across different hardware configurations, and maintaining system stability while integrating new drivers. They must often troubleshoot complex interactions between hardware, the Windows operating system, and other software components, which can require deep diagnostic skills and careful attention to system logs. Collaborating with hardware engineers, QA testers, and other software developers is usually a regular part of the job to ensure seamless functionality and address issues quickly. Despite these challenges, the role offers opportunities to work on technically interesting problems and contribute to high-impact system components.

What are the most commonly searched types of Windows Driver Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Windows Driver Developer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Windows Driver Developer jobs in California?

For Windows Driver Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Windows Driver Developer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Windows Driver Developer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Windows Driver Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Windows Driver Developer job openings:

Windows Driver Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Windows Driver Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,202 per year, or $64 per hour.

#Windows Driver Developer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate with internal and external teams to bring up, support, triage, and unblock issues on Qualcomm chipsets.

  • Gather requirements, design, and develop key features for Windows on Snapdragon products.

  • Participate as a key member of an Agile Scrum Team in the end-to-end lifecycle of Windows-on-Snapdragon product lines.

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

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
** This position is not eligible for Qualcomm immigration sponsorship. **
Qualcomm Technologies Inc., the maker of the industry-leading Snapdragon SoCs, is the largest provider of complete chipset solutions for Microsoft Windows on Snapdragon products. Qualcomm is committed to developing solutions for the next generation of Windows on Snapdragon devices.
The ideal software engineer will act as a key member of an Agile Scrum Team and play a pivotal rule in the end-to-end lifecycle of all Windows-on-Snapdragon product lines. Strong software development skills will allow you to gather requirements, design, and develop key features on Windows on Snapdragon products. Communication and collaboration skills are essential as part of this platform team as you will need to coordinate with internal and external teams to bring up, support, triage, and unblock issues on Qualcomm chipsets.
Looking for a self-starter with excellent people skills and software aptitude to match.
The Ideal Candidate will have:
  • Embedded Windows software and good programming skills.
  • Solid understanding of Operating System concepts.
  • Windows and/or Linux kernel and development experience.
  • Strong understanding of C/C++, Shell Scripting or Python skills and hands-on experience on debugging ARM or other SoC embedded systems.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong problem solving and debugging skills.
  • Ability to co-ordinate across stakeholders and drive towards task completion.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical engineering, Computer Science or related field.
  • C/C++ and python programming.
  • Device driver programming and debugging with WinDbg, JTAG/other tools.
  • Processor architecture and cache subsystem.
  • ARM assembly
  • Embedded OS (Kernel architecture, OS services heap, memory, multi-core, multi-threading, and crash debugging).
  • Knowledge of OS/system performance profiling and optimization techniques.
  • Communication, written & interpersonal skills, motivation, the ability to learn quickly.
  • Advanced understanding of object-oriented programming principles.

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:
$94,200.00 - $141,200.00
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.

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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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