Principal Jobs at Qualcomm with Visa Sponsorship
Principal jobs at Qualcomm sit at the intersection of deep technical leadership and cross-functional influence, typically requiring advanced expertise in semiconductor technology, wireless systems, or media platforms. Qualcomm has a well-established sponsorship infrastructure that supports international candidates across multiple visa categories throughout the hiring process.
Find Principal Jobs at QualcommOverview
Showing 5 of 35+ Principal Jobs at Qualcomm
See all 35+ Principal Jobs at Qualcomm
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Jobs at Qualcomm.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are looking for an experienced Windows platform architect to drive AI system performance and power enhancements into the SW and HW stacks and SW tools of state-of-the-art machine learning solutions on Snapdragon platform such that the AI performance and power is delivered to final applications while keeping application developer experience and ease of deployment competitively high. As a senior member of the team responsible for competitive advantages in end-to-end delivery of AI functionality, performance, power on Snapdragon compute platform, you will have opportunity to drive joint HW-SW design and architecture spec while representing requirements of Windows on Snapdragon application developers for multiple AI use-cases and ensure the Snapdragon AI platform, and tools deliver the industry leading performance and power including necessary security requirements. You will also study Enterprise agentic AI workflows, define, and drive implementation of on-device AI platform components such that Snapdragon becomes the preferred choice for Enterprise AI PCs. You will work closely with software and hardware architects, project engineers, product managers, customer engineers, OEMs, OS partners and application developers. Ideal candidate has extensive experience in architecture aware AI Model system performance optimization on Windows PC/Laptop, architecture aware benchmarking, and performance breakdown analysis with GPU, NPU, and knowledge of state of the art in AI for multiple domains such as Computer Vision, Audio, Generative AI, Agentic AI.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Understand trends in ML network design, through customer engagements and latest state of the art, and determine how this will affect both SW and HW design
Analyze bottlenecks in end to end use-cases and application of ML/AI algorithms and workloads on exploratory and existing Qualcomm HW and SW stacks through simulation and on-device characterization
On-device correlation and tuning of algorithm versus pre-silicon predictions
Analyze Enterprise AI workflows for common user personas and propose components that make Snapdragon AI PCs work complimentarily with cloud AI components of the enterprise workflow to deliver measurably increased productivity and user-experience for enterprise users
Interface with other cross-site and cross-functional teams to arrive at best-in-class performant reference implementations, tools, and documentation that are directly leveraged by 3rd party app developers
Analyze, develop, propose new features and designs to system design of next gen SoCs that reduce performance bottlenecks through the workflow
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 8+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 7+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. OR PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 6+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Excellent understanding of AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), GPU/NPU programming, and parallel computing. Experience with large language models/foundational models development and deployment a plus
Good Understanding of complete Software stack and familiarity with AI and other multimedia hardware acceleration technologies
Experience with performance optimization of AI application on Windows using processor specific optimization tools/libraries/primitives on GPU, NPU
Strong background in end to end system performance analysis using profiling tools, and algorithmic modification methods for performance improvement is essential
Knowledge of state of the art in Agentic AI
Knowledge of computer architecture, embedded system implementations
Strong software engineering principles are essential
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++
Excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical and technical stakeholders
Strong leadership abilities to motivate and guide development teams
Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills with the ability to think strategically and drive innovative solutions
Demonstrated ability to learn, think and adapt in a fast-changing environment
Familiarity with software development methodologies, version control systems, and agile project management practices
15+ years experience in High Performance Computing System Engineering or Software with 5+ years in AI system optimization
* Masters or PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
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
$200,800.00 - $301,200.00
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.
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.
INTRODUCTION
We are looking for an experienced Windows platform architect to drive AI system performance and power enhancements into the SW and HW stacks and SW tools of state-of-the-art machine learning solutions on Snapdragon platform such that the AI performance and power is delivered to final applications while keeping application developer experience and ease of deployment competitively high. As a senior member of the team responsible for competitive advantages in end-to-end delivery of AI functionality, performance, power on Snapdragon compute platform, you will have opportunity to drive joint HW-SW design and architecture spec while representing requirements of Windows on Snapdragon application developers for multiple AI use-cases and ensure the Snapdragon AI platform, and tools deliver the industry leading performance and power including necessary security requirements. You will also study Enterprise agentic AI workflows, define, and drive implementation of on-device AI platform components such that Snapdragon becomes the preferred choice for Enterprise AI PCs. You will work closely with software and hardware architects, project engineers, product managers, customer engineers, OEMs, OS partners and application developers. Ideal candidate has extensive experience in architecture aware AI Model system performance optimization on Windows PC/Laptop, architecture aware benchmarking, and performance breakdown analysis with GPU, NPU, and knowledge of state of the art in AI for multiple domains such as Computer Vision, Audio, Generative AI, Agentic AI.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Understand trends in ML network design, through customer engagements and latest state of the art, and determine how this will affect both SW and HW design
Analyze bottlenecks in end to end use-cases and application of ML/AI algorithms and workloads on exploratory and existing Qualcomm HW and SW stacks through simulation and on-device characterization
On-device correlation and tuning of algorithm versus pre-silicon predictions
Analyze Enterprise AI workflows for common user personas and propose components that make Snapdragon AI PCs work complimentarily with cloud AI components of the enterprise workflow to deliver measurably increased productivity and user-experience for enterprise users
Interface with other cross-site and cross-functional teams to arrive at best-in-class performant reference implementations, tools, and documentation that are directly leveraged by 3rd party app developers
Analyze, develop, propose new features and designs to system design of next gen SoCs that reduce performance bottlenecks through the workflow
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 8+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 7+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience. OR PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 6+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Excellent understanding of AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), GPU/NPU programming, and parallel computing. Experience with large language models/foundational models development and deployment a plus
Good Understanding of complete Software stack and familiarity with AI and other multimedia hardware acceleration technologies
Experience with performance optimization of AI application on Windows using processor specific optimization tools/libraries/primitives on GPU, NPU
Strong background in end to end system performance analysis using profiling tools, and algorithmic modification methods for performance improvement is essential
Knowledge of state of the art in Agentic AI
Knowledge of computer architecture, embedded system implementations
Strong software engineering principles are essential
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++
Excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical and technical stakeholders
Strong leadership abilities to motivate and guide development teams
Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills with the ability to think strategically and drive innovative solutions
Demonstrated ability to learn, think and adapt in a fast-changing environment
Familiarity with software development methodologies, version control systems, and agile project management practices
15+ years experience in High Performance Computing System Engineering or Software with 5+ years in AI system optimization
* Masters or PhD in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
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
$200,800.00 - $301,200.00
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.
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.
See all 35+ Principal Jobs at Qualcomm
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Jobs at Qualcomm.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Principal Jobs at Qualcomm
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
Qualcomm's Principal roles require a directly related advanced degree, not just general engineering experience. Review your transcripts and resume to confirm the field of study maps precisely to the specific technical domain of the role before applying.
Target teams working on media platform architecture
Qualcomm's media and entertainment work spans codec development, display processing, and streaming infrastructure. Searching for Principal openings tied to these product lines puts you in front of hiring managers whose teams have the most active sponsorship pipelines for senior technical contributors.
Clarify your visa category before the offer stage
Qualcomm sponsors H-1B, TN, and F-1 OPT, among others, but your current status determines what transition is possible. Raising this early in the process, before the offer letter is drafted, gives the recruiting team time to route your file to their immigration counsel correctly.
Use Migrate Mate to filter Principal openings by sponsorship type
Not every Principal listing at Qualcomm explicitly states which visa categories are supported. Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically by visa type and company, so you can focus your applications on roles where your current status is already a known fit.
Understand how PERM timing affects Green Card planning
If permanent residence is your long-term goal, Qualcomm's EB-2 and EB-3 sponsorship requires a PERM labor certification, which DOL processing alone can run well over a year. Factor this into conversations with your hiring manager and ask whether the team has initiated PERM for comparable roles before.
Prepare for prevailing wage scrutiny at the Principal level
DOL prevailing wage determinations for Principal-level roles in technology often land at Wage Level III or IV. Confirm your offered compensation meets the applicable wage level for the posting location before your I-129 is filed to avoid a USCIS Request for Evidence on wage compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Qualcomm sponsor H-1B visas for Principals?
Yes, Qualcomm sponsors H-1B visas for Principal roles and has a dedicated immigration team that manages the process. Because the H-1B cap lottery runs once per year with a registration window in March, your start date and current status will determine whether a cap-subject filing is needed or whether a cap-exempt path applies.
How do I apply for Principal jobs at Qualcomm?
Applications go through Qualcomm's careers portal at qualcomm.com/careers. Principal roles often require a tailored submission that demonstrates domain depth, not just years of experience. Migrate Mate aggregates Principal openings at Qualcomm filtered by visa sponsorship eligibility, which helps you identify the right listings before applying directly through the official portal.
Which visa types does Qualcomm commonly use for Principal roles?
Qualcomm supports H-1B and H-1B1 visa for specialty occupation workers, TN visa status for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying roles, F-1 OPT and CPT for students transitioning into full-time positions, and J-1 visa for certain exchange visitor scenarios. For permanent residence, EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visa categories are available depending on the role's requirements and the candidate's background.
What qualifications does Qualcomm expect for a Principal-level hire?
Principal roles at Qualcomm in media and entertainment typically require an advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field, paired with significant hands-on experience in areas like video processing, wireless media delivery, or display technology. For H-1B purposes, USCIS must confirm the role qualifies as a specialty occupation, so the degree-to-job-duty alignment carries real filing weight.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Qualcomm Principal role?
Timeline depends on your current status. H-1B cap filings require registration in March, with a potential October 1 start date. H-1B transfers from another employer can proceed year-round. PERM for a Green Card adds a year or more before an I-140 can even be filed. Discussing your status and timeline with Qualcomm's HR team before the offer stage helps avoid unnecessary delays.