Principal Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm with Visa Sponsorship

Principal Engineer roles 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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Overview

Open Jobs28+
Top Visa TypeH-1B
Work Type100% On-site
Median Salary$241K
Top LocationSan Diego, CA
Most JobsQualcomm

Showing 5 of 28+ Principal Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm jobs

Qualcomm
Automotive HW Methodology Principal Engineer
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Qualcomm
Added 2w ago
Automotive HW Methodology Principal Engineer
Qualcomm
San Diego, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$192,000/yr - $288,000/yr
On-Site
8+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Qualcomm
Principal Engineer
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Qualcomm
Added 2w ago
Principal Engineer
Qualcomm
San Diego, California
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
Embedded Systems Engineering
$192,600/yr - $289,000/yr
On-Site
8+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Qualcomm
Firmware Development Principal Engineer
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Qualcomm
Added 1mo ago
Firmware Development Principal Engineer
Qualcomm
Austin, Texas
Software Engineering
Firmware Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
$211,800/yr - $317,800/yr
On-Site
8+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Qualcomm
Principal Engineer - Gaming Technologies
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Qualcomm
Added 1mo ago
Principal Engineer - Gaming Technologies
Qualcomm
San Diego, California
Software Engineering
$192,600/yr - $289,000/yr
On-Site
7+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Qualcomm
Principal Engineer Position for System Power for Advanced 2.5D/3D High-Performance Compute
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Qualcomm
Added 2mo ago
Principal Engineer Position for System Power for Advanced 2.5D/3D High-Performance Compute
Qualcomm
San Diego, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$192,000/yr - $288,000/yr
On-Site
6+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Tips for Finding Principal Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm Jobs

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 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.

Principal Engineer at Qualcomm jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.

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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 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 for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, TN for Canadian and Mexican engineers, F-1 OPT and CPT for students transitioning from academic programs, J-1 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.

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