Software Design Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm with Visa Sponsorship
Software Design Engineer jobs at Qualcomm sit at the intersection of hardware-adjacent firmware, modem software, and multimedia platforms, attracting candidates with deep signal processing, embedded systems, or platform software backgrounds. Qualcomm has a well-established sponsorship pathway for this function, supporting candidates across multiple visa categories from OPT through permanent residence.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Multimedia Systems
General Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Systems and Mixed Signal Design Engineer to join our Fingerprint Sensor team and drive the development of innovative biometric solutions for next-generation mobile devices.
The ideal candidate brings experience in mixed-signal design and system engineering, with the ability to architect and design world-class mixed-signal sensor circuitry while also performing detailed system analysis and optimization. Depending on qualifications, the role may place greater emphasis on mixed-signal design or on systems engineering.
In this role, you will apply advanced CMOS mixed-signal IC design methodologies to architect and develop cutting-edge fingerprint sensor technologies, and drive circuit-level design and verification for products that push the boundaries of performance, reliability, and integration.
In addition, you will analyze use cases and product requirements, and perform functional decomposition to derive system requirements for implementation in hardware and/or software. You will also conduct system analysis and simulation modeling to propose algorithmic and/or system changes that optimize performance and power.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
* PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
7+ years of Mixed Signal Design and Systems Engineering or related work experience.
Experience with algorithm development, validation, and system-level performance characterization.
Familiarity with ASIC specifications, sensor physics, or module-level design.
Experience in systems engineering, preferably with sensors and integrated modules.
Proven ability to define architecture and integrate systems into commercial products.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to performance in edge cases.
Experience with CMOS sensor design with TFT/LTPS technologies is a plus.
Strong understanding of hardware/software interaction, including FW development and HW/SW co-optimization.
Hands-on experience using CADENCE, SPICE, MATLAB, Verilog/VHDL, Python and lab equivalent.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Participate or lead the definition, design and verification of advanced sensors.
Participate or drive a full-cycle development, including system modeling, sensor pixel design, driver circuit design, and optimization across key performance metrics.
Develop hardware specifications for ASICs, sensors, and module components. In addition, translates the system-level requirements into sensor architectures, circuit specifications, and optimized sensor designs.
Execute sensor circuit- and pixel-level simulations using Cadence ADE/Spectre, HSPICE, MATLAB, and other industry-standard tools to validate performance across corners and drive iterative improvements.
Perform system-level studies such as architecture exploration, fundamental physics analysis, and performance trade-off evaluations.
Develop algorithms to improve system-level performance.
Guide and review pixel-level and block-level layout to ensure performance, area efficiency, manufacturability, and reliability.
Debug circuit, pixel, and system-level issues; refine designs based on insights from simulation tools and sensor characterization.
Support sensor bring-up through lab measurements, functional validation, and correlation between sensor behavior and simulation models.
Collaborate with system, firmware, product, and test engineering teams to achieve optimal sensor and system-level performance.
Prepare clear technical documentation, design descriptions, and test materials for internal stakeholders and external partners.
Supports design reviews for platform development; leads evaluation of system performance based on constraints and capabilities of design; works with multiple groups outside domain to support design integrity.
* Independently identifies issues or patterns of issues related to systems-level software and hardware design and the implications for work within and across teams; makes overall recommendations for new technologies and to address ambiguous issues, design architectures, generate solutions, and develop models, code, and simulations.
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 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:
$179,000.00 - $297,800.00
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 > Multimedia Systems
General Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Systems and Mixed Signal Design Engineer to join our Fingerprint Sensor team and drive the development of innovative biometric solutions for next-generation mobile devices.
The ideal candidate brings experience in mixed-signal design and system engineering, with the ability to architect and design world-class mixed-signal sensor circuitry while also performing detailed system analysis and optimization. Depending on qualifications, the role may place greater emphasis on mixed-signal design or on systems engineering.
In this role, you will apply advanced CMOS mixed-signal IC design methodologies to architect and develop cutting-edge fingerprint sensor technologies, and drive circuit-level design and verification for products that push the boundaries of performance, reliability, and integration.
In addition, you will analyze use cases and product requirements, and perform functional decomposition to derive system requirements for implementation in hardware and/or software. You will also conduct system analysis and simulation modeling to propose algorithmic and/or system changes that optimize performance and power.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
* PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
7+ years of Mixed Signal Design and Systems Engineering or related work experience.
Experience with algorithm development, validation, and system-level performance characterization.
Familiarity with ASIC specifications, sensor physics, or module-level design.
Experience in systems engineering, preferably with sensors and integrated modules.
Proven ability to define architecture and integrate systems into commercial products.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to performance in edge cases.
Experience with CMOS sensor design with TFT/LTPS technologies is a plus.
Strong understanding of hardware/software interaction, including FW development and HW/SW co-optimization.
Hands-on experience using CADENCE, SPICE, MATLAB, Verilog/VHDL, Python and lab equivalent.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Participate or lead the definition, design and verification of advanced sensors.
Participate or drive a full-cycle development, including system modeling, sensor pixel design, driver circuit design, and optimization across key performance metrics.
Develop hardware specifications for ASICs, sensors, and module components. In addition, translates the system-level requirements into sensor architectures, circuit specifications, and optimized sensor designs.
Execute sensor circuit- and pixel-level simulations using Cadence ADE/Spectre, HSPICE, MATLAB, and other industry-standard tools to validate performance across corners and drive iterative improvements.
Perform system-level studies such as architecture exploration, fundamental physics analysis, and performance trade-off evaluations.
Develop algorithms to improve system-level performance.
Guide and review pixel-level and block-level layout to ensure performance, area efficiency, manufacturability, and reliability.
Debug circuit, pixel, and system-level issues; refine designs based on insights from simulation tools and sensor characterization.
Support sensor bring-up through lab measurements, functional validation, and correlation between sensor behavior and simulation models.
Collaborate with system, firmware, product, and test engineering teams to achieve optimal sensor and system-level performance.
Prepare clear technical documentation, design descriptions, and test materials for internal stakeholders and external partners.
Supports design reviews for platform development; leads evaluation of system performance based on constraints and capabilities of design; works with multiple groups outside domain to support design integrity.
* Independently identifies issues or patterns of issues related to systems-level software and hardware design and the implications for work within and across teams; makes overall recommendations for new technologies and to address ambiguous issues, design architectures, generate solutions, and develop models, code, and simulations.
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 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:
$179,000.00 - $297,800.00
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 62+ Software Design Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Software Design Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Software Design Engineer Jobs at Qualcomm
Align your portfolio with Qualcomm's platform software work
Qualcomm's Software Design Engineer openings cluster around Snapdragon platform layers, modem firmware, and multimedia frameworks. Tailor your resume to show experience with Linux kernel development, DSP programming, or multimedia pipeline work rather than generic software development.
Verify your OPT timeline before submitting applications
If you're on F-1 OPT, confirm your remaining authorized period covers Qualcomm's typical offer-to-start window. STEM OPT extension applications must be filed before your current OPT expires, and Qualcomm must be enrolled in E-Verify to authorize that extension.
Request H-1B sponsorship language in your offer letter
Qualcomm's recruiting team handles sponsorship through a formal internal process. Before signing, confirm the offer explicitly states the company will file your H-1B petition and cover associated USCIS filing fees, since the scope of employer-paid costs varies by role level and business unit.
Target Qualcomm's San Diego and Bangalore-linked U.S. teams
Qualcomm's Software Design Engineer hiring concentrates in San Diego, but roles supporting multimedia and connectivity products are also posted across Austin and Raleigh. Identifying the specific business unit helps you connect with hiring managers who have active headcount and sponsorship budget already approved.
Understand how PERM timelines affect your long-term planning
Qualcomm regularly sponsors Green Cards for Software Design Engineers through the EB-2 and EB-3 PERM process. DOL's PERM processing currently runs 18 months or longer, so asking your recruiter early about the company's standard timeline from hire to PERM filing gives you a realistic picture.
Use Migrate Mate to filter Software Design Engineer roles by visa type
Not every Qualcomm posting clearly states which visa types are supported. Use Migrate Mate to filter open Software Design Engineer positions at Qualcomm by the specific visa category you hold, so you're applying to roles with confirmed sponsorship pathways for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Qualcomm sponsor H-1B visas for Software Design Engineers?
Yes, Qualcomm sponsors H-1B visas for Software Design Engineers. The company has a structured immigration support process and works with immigration counsel to handle H-1B filings for qualifying roles. Sponsorship is typically tied to specific business units and headcount approvals, so confirming sponsorship intent during the offer stage is the right move before the H-1B cap registration window opens each March.
How do I apply for Software Design Engineer jobs at Qualcomm?
Applications go through Qualcomm's careers portal, where Software Design Engineer roles are posted by product area, such as modem software, multimedia, or platform engineering. Tailoring your application to the specific technical domain, whether that's Snapdragon firmware, camera pipeline software, or connectivity stacks, significantly improves recruiter response rates. You can also browse open roles filtered by visa sponsorship eligibility on Migrate Mate.
Which visa types does Qualcomm commonly use for Software Design Engineer roles?
Qualcomm sponsors several visa categories for Software Design Engineers, including H-1B, H-1B1 visa for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, TN visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens, and J-1 visa for research-oriented placements. The company also supports F-1 OPT and CPT for students, provided the employer work authorization requirements are met, including E-Verify enrollment. For permanent residence, Qualcomm sponsors eligible engineers through EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card pathways.
What qualifications does Qualcomm expect for Software Design Engineer roles?
Most Software Design Engineer postings at Qualcomm require a bachelor's or master's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. Practical depth matters as much as the degree: experience with C or C++ in embedded or low-level systems, familiarity with multimedia frameworks like Android multimedia or camera HAL, or signal processing background for modem-adjacent roles are the qualifications that move candidates forward in the process.
How do I think about the H-1B lottery timing when targeting Qualcomm?
USCIS opens H-1B cap registration each March for an October 1 employment start date. If you're already on F-1 OPT when Qualcomm extends an offer, your OPT authorization can bridge the gap to that October start. If you're selected in the lottery, Qualcomm files the full petition after registration closes. Missing the March window means waiting a full year for the next cycle, so coordinating your job search timeline around that window is worth planning in advance.