AI Software Developer Jobs in San Diego, CA
AI Software Developer jobs in San Diego are in high demand, concentrated in Sorrento Valley, Torrey Pines, and Downtown San Diego across defense technology, biotech, and enterprise software. Employers hiring right now include Qualcomm, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Teradata. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find AI Software Developer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 399+ AI Software Developer jobs











Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Software EngineeringGeneral Summary:
Qualcomm Technologies (QCT) is the world's leading innovator in wireless connectivity and intelligent computing, powering the devices and infrastructure at the heart of the 5G era. Our Snapdragon platforms - spanning smartphones, automotive, IoT, and XR - integrate advanced 5G modem-RF systems with on-device AI to deliver breakthrough experiences at the connected intelligent edge. QCT partners with 100+ network operators worldwide and maintains the industry's largest modem engineering organization, driving the standards and technologies behind 5G-Advanced and the path toward 6G.
As a member of the Modem Software Framework team, you will design and develop modem software that powers 5G NR connectivity across Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset portfolio. You will work with a custom scripting language to dynamically reconfigure the modem in response to real-time network conditions, device states, and AI-driven optimization signals - as well as architect next-generation frameworks that enable our OEM and operator partners to deliver differentiated 5G experiences. Your work will directly influence how billions of devices connect, communicate, and leverage on-device intelligence.
We are looking for engineers with a strong foundation in C/C++ software design and real-time embedded systems, a sharp problem-solving mindset, and a passion for shaping the future of wireless connectivity and AI-powered communications.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Communication, or a related field
- 1-2 years of academic or industry experience in C/C++ and Python
- Foundational understanding of embedded systems or real-time operating systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Electronics/Communication
- Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as QuRT, FreeRTOS, or Zephyr
- Strong software design and object-oriented design/implementation skills
- Exposure to 5G NR / LTE modem concepts or wireless protocol stacks
- Familiarity with AI/ML fundamentals and interest in applying machine learning to modem optimization (e.g., adaptive scheduling, predictive resource management)
- Understanding of scripting or domain-specific languages for system configuration
- Experience with debugging and performance profiling in embedded environments
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 :
$109,400.00 - $164,200.00The 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 .
See All 399+ AI Software Developer Jobs in San Diego
Find roles in San Diego that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find AI Software Developer JobsAI Software Developer Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- Qualcomm224

- Booz Allen Hamilton75

- Teradata25

- Eli Lilly25

- Murata America25M
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
AI Software Developer Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a ai software developer job in San Diego?
The strongest path into San Diego's ai software developer market runs through its defense contractors, biotech firms, and enterprise software companies concentrated in Sorrento Valley and Torrey Pines. Candidates who demonstrate hands-on experience with machine learning frameworks, large language models, or applied AI for regulated industries stand out. Networking through local tech meetups and UC San Diego's research community also opens doors that job boards alone won't.
Which companies hire ai software developers in San Diego?
Companies currently hiring ai software developers in San Diego include Qualcomm, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Teradata, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. San Diego's hiring mix skews toward defense primes, life sciences technology companies, and high-growth software startups, particularly those with ties to the university research ecosystem.
Are there remote ai software developer jobs in San Diego?
Yes, ai software developer work is well-suited to remote and hybrid arrangements given its desk-based, code-centric nature. About 0% of ai software developer openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting strong employer flexibility across the sector. Roles focused on model development, data pipeline engineering, and research tend to offer the most location flexibility locally.
How can I get a ai software developer job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is targeting junior or associate AI engineer roles at mid-size software companies and defense technology contractors in Sorrento Valley, many of which hire recent graduates from UC San Diego and San Diego State University. Contributing to open-source AI projects, completing applied machine learning coursework, and building a portfolio with demonstrable model outputs gives entry-level candidates a concrete edge in a market that prioritizes hands-on evidence over credentials alone.
Which industries hire the most ai software developers in San Diego?
San Diego ai software developer roles concentrate in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. San Diego's strong defense contracting base, nationally significant biotech corridor, and growing enterprise software sector all require AI talent for applications ranging from autonomous systems to clinical data analysis.
Related Jobs in California
See All 399+ AI Software Developer Jobs in San Diego
Find roles in San Diego that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find AI Software Developer Jobs