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 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 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.