Principal Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm with Visa Sponsorship
Principal Engineer jobs at Qualcomm sit at the intersection of deep hardware and software expertise, covering areas like modem architecture, multimedia processing, and media codec development. Qualcomm has a consistent track record of sponsoring international engineers across a broad range of visa categories, making it a realistic target for skilled candidates who need work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Software Engineer, you will design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/or specialized utility programs that launch cutting-edge, world class products that meet and exceed customer needs. Qualcomm Software Engineers collaborate with systems, hardware, architecture, test engineers, and other teams to design system-level software solutions and obtain information on performance requirements and interfaces.
Role Overview
- Strong development experience with C/C++ and strong programming skills
- Hands-on development experience on Linux Embedded, Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian platform software stacks
- Hands-on development experience with the Linux kernel, performance tuning, and board support packages
- Demonstrated hands-on architectural knowledge of end-to-end software flow for a typical embedded SoC
- Ability to navigate touchpoints in different stages of the software stack, examine technical issues, and interface with customers by collaborating with technology teams
- Working knowledge and experience with second-stage bootloaders such as U-Boot, systemd-boot, and UEFI
- Strong deductive problem-solving skills, with effective verbal and written communication for cross-team collaboration
- Hands-on experience with the full software development life cycle including design, implementation, deployment, and support
- Practical enablement of industrial solutions with virtualization using KVM or other hypervisors is beneficial
- Strong networking concepts and systems programming experience is beneficial
- Real-time use-case enablement with performance tuning for real-time applications on Guest or Host OS is beneficial
Minimum Qualifications:
-
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
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 Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
- 12+ years of designing and leading real-time embedded and industrial solutions with hands-on experience
- Strong understanding of board support packages, hypervisors, RTOS, and OS concepts and fundamentals
- Strong understanding of Linux kernel and internals
- Knowledge of SoC systems and related concepts, including bring-up
- Strong aptitude, fast learner, self-motivated, and willing to work across a broad range of technology areas
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end software architecture, definition, and execution of IoT products running Linux Embedded and Ubuntu on Qualcomm SoCs
- Perform bring-up and develop proof-of-concept IoT solutions
- Work across diverse technology areas to develop cutting-edge features
- Collaborate closely with Product Management and Program Management on Plan of Record definition, planning, and execution
- Work effectively with geographically distributed teams across time zones
- Ensure product deliverables are completed on time and meet expectations for functionality, stability, power, and performance
- Engage with customers and development partners to understand technical requirements, perform high-level feasibility analysis, and collaborate with technology teams to deliver solutions
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 to 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:
$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. 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.
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Software Engineer, you will design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/or specialized utility programs that launch cutting-edge, world class products that meet and exceed customer needs. Qualcomm Software Engineers collaborate with systems, hardware, architecture, test engineers, and other teams to design system-level software solutions and obtain information on performance requirements and interfaces.
Role Overview
- Strong development experience with C/C++ and strong programming skills
- Hands-on development experience on Linux Embedded, Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian platform software stacks
- Hands-on development experience with the Linux kernel, performance tuning, and board support packages
- Demonstrated hands-on architectural knowledge of end-to-end software flow for a typical embedded SoC
- Ability to navigate touchpoints in different stages of the software stack, examine technical issues, and interface with customers by collaborating with technology teams
- Working knowledge and experience with second-stage bootloaders such as U-Boot, systemd-boot, and UEFI
- Strong deductive problem-solving skills, with effective verbal and written communication for cross-team collaboration
- Hands-on experience with the full software development life cycle including design, implementation, deployment, and support
- Practical enablement of industrial solutions with virtualization using KVM or other hypervisors is beneficial
- Strong networking concepts and systems programming experience is beneficial
- Real-time use-case enablement with performance tuning for real-time applications on Guest or Host OS is beneficial
Minimum Qualifications:
-
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
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 Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
- 12+ years of designing and leading real-time embedded and industrial solutions with hands-on experience
- Strong understanding of board support packages, hypervisors, RTOS, and OS concepts and fundamentals
- Strong understanding of Linux kernel and internals
- Knowledge of SoC systems and related concepts, including bring-up
- Strong aptitude, fast learner, self-motivated, and willing to work across a broad range of technology areas
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end software architecture, definition, and execution of IoT products running Linux Embedded and Ubuntu on Qualcomm SoCs
- Perform bring-up and develop proof-of-concept IoT solutions
- Work across diverse technology areas to develop cutting-edge features
- Collaborate closely with Product Management and Program Management on Plan of Record definition, planning, and execution
- Work effectively with geographically distributed teams across time zones
- Ensure product deliverables are completed on time and meet expectations for functionality, stability, power, and performance
- Engage with customers and development partners to understand technical requirements, perform high-level feasibility analysis, and collaborate with technology teams to deliver solutions
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 to 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:
$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. 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 87+ Principal Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Principal Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm
Align your portfolio with Qualcomm's media stack
Qualcomm's Principal Engineer hiring in media focuses on codec optimization, video processing pipelines, and display technologies. Review published patents and open-source contributions from Qualcomm engineers to understand the technical depth expected before you apply.
Verify your visa category before accepting an offer
Qualcomm sponsors multiple visa types at the Principal Engineer level. Confirm in writing which category your offer covers, since H-1B1 visa and TN have different renewal timelines and employer obligations than a standard H-1B petition filed through USCIS.
Target roles that reference IC design or multimedia subsystems
Qualcomm's Principal Engineer postings that mention Snapdragon multimedia, camera ISP, or audio DSP tend to require specialized credentials that map cleanly to specialty occupation criteria, which strengthens your H-1B petition and reduces the risk of a Request for Evidence.
Request premium processing before your OPT expiration window closes
If you're on F-1 OPT and Qualcomm files your H-1B, the standard USCIS processing timeline can run past your OPT end date. Ask your recruiter early whether premium processing is included, since the 15 business day adjudication window matters for your work authorization continuity.
Prepare a degree equivalency analysis for three-year degrees
Qualcomm frequently hires internationally educated engineers. If your bachelor's degree is a three-year program, have a credential evaluation completed before the offer stage. USCIS scrutinizes degree equivalency at the Principal Engineer level, so a formal evaluation from a NACES-member agency removes a common petition obstacle.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open roles by sponsorship type
Qualcomm posts Principal Engineer positions across multiple business units with different sponsorship policies. Browse current openings on Migrate Mate to filter specifically for roles that match your visa category and target the right team from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Qualcomm sponsor H-1B visas for Principal Engineers?
Yes, Qualcomm sponsors H-1B visas for Principal Engineers and does so consistently across its engineering divisions, including those focused on media and multimedia processing. Qualcomm participates in the annual H-1B lottery through USCIS and is also registered with E-Verify, which is required for employers filing cap-subject petitions. If you're already in H-1B visa status, Qualcomm can also file an H-1B transfer without waiting for the lottery.
How do I apply for Principal Engineer jobs at Qualcomm?
Apply directly through Qualcomm's careers portal, where Principal Engineer roles are listed by business unit and location. Tailor your application to the specific technical domain listed, since Qualcomm's hiring panels for media-focused roles assess depth in areas like codec architecture, signal processing, or multimedia subsystems. You can also browse current openings that match your visa type on Migrate Mate before applying directly to Qualcomm.
Which visa types does Qualcomm commonly use for Principal Engineer roles?
Qualcomm sponsors a broad range of visa categories at the Principal Engineer level, including H-1B, H-1B1 visa for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, TN visa for Canadian and Mexican engineers, F-1 OPT and CPT for students transitioning from academic programs, J-1 visa for exchange visitors, and employment-based Green Card pathways through EB-2 and EB-3 PERM. The visa type offered depends on your nationality, current status, and the specific role.
What qualifications does Qualcomm expect for Principal Engineer candidates?
Qualcomm's Principal Engineer roles typically require an advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field, plus significant industry experience in a specialized domain. For media-focused positions, depth in areas like video codec standards, display driver architecture, or multimedia processing pipelines is expected. Publications, patents, or contributions to standards bodies like MPEG or ITU can differentiate candidates at this seniority level.
How long does the visa sponsorship process typically take after a Qualcomm offer?
Timeline depends on your visa category. For H-1B, the annual lottery registration window opens in March, with employment starting October 1 at the earliest under standard processing, or potentially sooner if premium processing is used and a cap-exempt path applies. TN status for Canadian nationals can be obtained at the border in a single day. Green Card sponsorship through PERM typically takes one to three years from initiation, depending on DOL processing and your priority date.