Principal Software Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm with Visa Sponsorship
Principal Software Engineer jobs at Qualcomm span cutting-edge domains like multimedia processing, video codecs, and display technologies. The company has a strong track record of supporting work visa sponsorship for engineering talent, making it a realistic target for international candidates pursuing senior technical roles in the U.S.
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Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
Qualcomm is seeking a Sr. Staff / Principal-level Software Engineer to provide system-level technical leadership for next-generation ARM server platforms. This role spans Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software, with responsibility for shaping architecture, guiding cross-functional execution, and ensuring production-quality delivery for hyperscale datacenter environments.
This role works across silicon, firmware, OS, and performance teams to enable high-performance ARM server SoCs, optimize system software, and ensure compliance with industry platform standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide system-level technical leadership across Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software for ARM server SoCs.
- Define and guide architecture across HW FW OS hypervisor boundaries using standards such as ACPI, UEFI, SystemReady, SBSA/SBBR, and PSCI.
- Drive Linux kernel enablement, performance optimizations, and platform drivers for high-performance server platforms.
- Collaborate with silicon, performance, RAS, security, and platform teams to identify optimization opportunities and architectural risks.
- Guide boot flows, runtime firmware, power and performance management, virtualization, memory, PCIe, and telemetry enablement.
- Ensure operating systems run efficiently on Qualcomm server platforms and evolve to support new architectural features.
- Review designs and implementations to ensure scalability, robustness, and production readiness.
- Influence SoC and platform roadmaps through system-level analysis and technical leadership.
- Mentor senior engineers and serve as a technical authority across firmware and system software domains.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
- 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 12+ years of experience in system software, firmware, or platform software for high-performance or server-class systems.
- 10+ years of hands-on Linux kernel development experience.
- Strong understanding of modern server architectures and the HW/SW interface.
- Proficiency in C and low-level systems programming (assembly is a plus).
- Experience with firmware, boot loaders, and pre- and post-silicon debug environments.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives without direct authority.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering teams and senior leadership.
- Master’s degree or equivalent industry experience.
- 15+ years of experience building production software stacks for high-performance or datacenter platforms.
- Experience delivering production server SoCs or hyperscale platforms.
- Familiarity with ARM, OCP, or industry platform standards bodies.
- Experience working with hyperscaler or large datacenter customers.
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.
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:
$180,600.00 - $271,000.00
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:
Qualcomm is seeking a Sr. Staff / Principal-level Software Engineer to provide system-level technical leadership for next-generation ARM server platforms. This role spans Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software, with responsibility for shaping architecture, guiding cross-functional execution, and ensuring production-quality delivery for hyperscale datacenter environments.
This role works across silicon, firmware, OS, and performance teams to enable high-performance ARM server SoCs, optimize system software, and ensure compliance with industry platform standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide system-level technical leadership across Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software for ARM server SoCs.
- Define and guide architecture across HW FW OS hypervisor boundaries using standards such as ACPI, UEFI, SystemReady, SBSA/SBBR, and PSCI.
- Drive Linux kernel enablement, performance optimizations, and platform drivers for high-performance server platforms.
- Collaborate with silicon, performance, RAS, security, and platform teams to identify optimization opportunities and architectural risks.
- Guide boot flows, runtime firmware, power and performance management, virtualization, memory, PCIe, and telemetry enablement.
- Ensure operating systems run efficiently on Qualcomm server platforms and evolve to support new architectural features.
- Review designs and implementations to ensure scalability, robustness, and production readiness.
- Influence SoC and platform roadmaps through system-level analysis and technical leadership.
- Mentor senior engineers and serve as a technical authority across firmware and system software domains.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
- 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 12+ years of experience in system software, firmware, or platform software for high-performance or server-class systems.
- 10+ years of hands-on Linux kernel development experience.
- Strong understanding of modern server architectures and the HW/SW interface.
- Proficiency in C and low-level systems programming (assembly is a plus).
- Experience with firmware, boot loaders, and pre- and post-silicon debug environments.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives without direct authority.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering teams and senior leadership.
- Master’s degree or equivalent industry experience.
- 15+ years of experience building production software stacks for high-performance or datacenter platforms.
- Experience delivering production server SoCs or hyperscale platforms.
- Familiarity with ARM, OCP, or industry platform standards bodies.
- Experience working with hyperscaler or large datacenter customers.
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.
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:
$180,600.00 - $271,000.00
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.
Tips for Finding Principal Software Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm
Tailor your portfolio to Qualcomm's media stack
Qualcomm's Principal Software Engineer roles in media and entertainment frequently require deep experience with video pipeline architecture, codec optimization, or display driver development. Document specific projects at that technical depth before you apply.
Verify your role qualifies as a specialty occupation
USCIS requires that H-1B positions demand a specific bachelor's degree field, not just any degree. For Principal-level roles at Qualcomm, your degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field must directly connect to the job duties you'll perform.
Search Qualcomm openings filtered by sponsorship on Migrate Mate
Qualcomm posts Principal Software Engineer openings across multiple sites, but not all listings clarify sponsorship eligibility. Use Migrate Mate to browse Qualcomm's open roles already filtered for visa sponsorship so you only spend time on positions that fit your situation.
Align your timeline with H-1B cap deadlines
If you're on F-1 OPT, Qualcomm typically needs to file your H-1B petition by the April 1 USCIS deadline for an October 1 start. Factor in recruiter timelines and confirm your OPT expiration date won't leave a gap before cap-subject status begins.
Prepare for a multi-round technical process
Qualcomm's interview loop for Principal Software Engineers commonly includes system design rounds specific to embedded or multimedia domains. Arriving with concrete examples of leading architecture decisions on media pipelines substantially strengthens your case at the offer stage.
Understand what triggers PERM for your green card path
Principal Software Engineers sponsored for EB-2 or EB-3 Green Cards at Qualcomm go through PERM labor certification with DOL. The process requires Qualcomm to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available, so avoid any job-title changes or significant role shifts while PERM is pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Qualcomm sponsor H-1B visas for Principal Software Engineers?
Yes, Qualcomm sponsors H-1B visas for Principal Software Engineers and has a consistent record of doing so across its engineering functions, including media and entertainment technology. Sponsorship is typically tied to a specific approved role, so the position description you interview for will need to clearly qualify as a specialty occupation under USCIS criteria before your petition is filed.
How do I apply for Principal Software Engineer jobs at Qualcomm?
Applications go through Qualcomm's careers portal, where Principal Software Engineer openings are listed by business unit and location. To find roles already confirmed for visa sponsorship, browse Qualcomm's listings on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for positions open to international candidates. Tailoring your resume to Qualcomm's media and multimedia engineering focus meaningfully increases your chances of moving past initial screening.
Which visa types does Qualcomm commonly use for Principal Software Engineers?
Qualcomm uses H-1B as the primary work visa for Principal Software Engineers, and also supports H-1B1 visa for eligible nationals, TN visa status for Canadian and Mexican citizens, and F-1 OPT or CPT for recent graduates. For longer-term sponsorship, Qualcomm pursues EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process filed with DOL.
What qualifications does Qualcomm expect for a Principal Software Engineer?
Principal Software Engineer roles at Qualcomm in the media and entertainment space typically require a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field, combined with substantial hands-on experience in areas like video codec development, multimedia frameworks, or display processing. At the Principal level, Qualcomm also looks for demonstrated experience leading technical architecture decisions and influencing cross-functional engineering teams.
How long does the H-1B sponsorship process take if I receive an offer from Qualcomm?
For cap-subject H-1B filings, Qualcomm must register you in the USCIS lottery by mid-March, with employment starting no earlier than October 1 if selected. Standard USCIS adjudication after filing takes roughly three to six months. Premium processing is available and reduces the USCIS decision window to 15 business days, which many employers use to reduce uncertainty before an employment start date.