Senior AI Software Engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA
Senior AI Software Engineer jobs in San Diego are in strong demand, concentrated in Sorrento Valley, Torrey Pines, and the UTC corridor across defense tech, biotech, and enterprise software. Employers hiring right now include Qualcomm, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Teradata. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 400+ Senior AI Software Engineer jobs
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Modem Software EngineeringGeneral Summary:
Qualcomm Technologies (QCT) is the world's leading innovator in wireless connectivity and intelligent computing, powering the devices and infrastructure at the heart of the 5G era. Our Snapdragon platforms - spanning smartphones, automotive, IoT, and XR - integrate advanced 5G modem-RF systems with on-device AI to deliver breakthrough experiences at the connected intelligent edge. QCT partners with 100+ network operators worldwide and maintains the industry's largest modem engineering organization, driving the standards and technologies behind 5G-Advanced and the path toward 6G.
As a member of the Modem Software Framework team, you will design and develop modem software that powers 5G NR connectivity across Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset portfolio. You will work with a custom scripting language to dynamically reconfigure the modem in response to real-time network conditions, device states, and AI-driven optimization signals - as well as architect next-generation frameworks that enable our OEM and operator partners to deliver differentiated 5G experiences. Your work will directly influence how billions of devices connect, communicate, and leverage on-device intelligence.
We are looking for engineers with a strong foundation in C/C++ software design and real-time embedded systems, a sharp problem-solving mindset, and a passion for shaping the future of wireless connectivity and AI-powered communications.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Communication, or a related field
- 1-2 years of academic or industry experience in C/C++ and Python
- Foundational understanding of embedded systems or real-time operating systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Electronics/Communication
- Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as QuRT, FreeRTOS, or Zephyr
- Strong software design and object-oriented design/implementation skills
- Exposure to 5G NR / LTE modem concepts or wireless protocol stacks
- Familiarity with AI/ML fundamentals and interest in applying machine learning to modem optimization (e.g., adaptive scheduling, predictive resource management)
- Understanding of scripting or domain-specific languages for system configuration
- Experience with debugging and performance profiling in embedded environments
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 :
$109,400.00 - $164,200.00The 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 > Modem Software EngineeringGeneral Summary:
Qualcomm Technologies (QCT) is the world's leading innovator in wireless connectivity and intelligent computing, powering the devices and infrastructure at the heart of the 5G era. Our Snapdragon platforms - spanning smartphones, automotive, IoT, and XR - integrate advanced 5G modem-RF systems with on-device AI to deliver breakthrough experiences at the connected intelligent edge. QCT partners with 100+ network operators worldwide and maintains the industry's largest modem engineering organization, driving the standards and technologies behind 5G-Advanced and the path toward 6G.
As a member of the Modem Software Framework team, you will design and develop modem software that powers 5G NR connectivity across Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset portfolio. You will work with a custom scripting language to dynamically reconfigure the modem in response to real-time network conditions, device states, and AI-driven optimization signals - as well as architect next-generation frameworks that enable our OEM and operator partners to deliver differentiated 5G experiences. Your work will directly influence how billions of devices connect, communicate, and leverage on-device intelligence.
We are looking for engineers with a strong foundation in C/C++ software design and real-time embedded systems, a sharp problem-solving mindset, and a passion for shaping the future of wireless connectivity and AI-powered communications.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Communication, or a related field
- 1-2 years of academic or industry experience in C/C++ and Python
- Foundational understanding of embedded systems or real-time operating systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Electronics/Communication
- Experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as QuRT, FreeRTOS, or Zephyr
- Strong software design and object-oriented design/implementation skills
- Exposure to 5G NR / LTE modem concepts or wireless protocol stacks
- Familiarity with AI/ML fundamentals and interest in applying machine learning to modem optimization (e.g., adaptive scheduling, predictive resource management)
- Understanding of scripting or domain-specific languages for system configuration
- Experience with debugging and performance profiling in embedded environments
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 :
$109,400.00 - $164,200.00The 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 .
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Find JobsSenior AI Software Engineer Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- Qualcomm225
- Booz Allen Hamilton75
- Teradata25
- Eli Lilly25
- Murata America25M
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Senior AI Software Engineer Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior ai software engineer job in San Diego?
Focus your search on San Diego's defense and government contracting sector in Kearny Mesa and Sorrento Valley, the biotech and life sciences cluster near Torrey Pines, and the enterprise software companies in the UTC and Rancho Bernardo corridors. Candidates with experience in large language models, computer vision, or edge AI for embedded systems stand out in this market. Security clearance eligibility is a genuine edge for roles tied to defense primes.
Which companies hire senior ai software engineers in San Diego?
Companies currently hiring senior ai software engineers in San Diego include Qualcomm, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Teradata, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. The local market mixes large defense contractors and life sciences firms with a growing base of mid-size enterprise software and deep tech startups, many of them anchored near the UC San Diego research ecosystem.
Are there remote senior ai software engineer jobs in San Diego?
Yes, and this role lends itself well to remote work given its analytical and software-development nature. About 0% of senior ai software engineer openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though roles at defense contractors typically require on-site presence. Model development, research, and MLOps work are the functions most commonly offered as fully remote locally.
How can I get a senior ai software engineer job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is through mid-size biotech and healthtech companies near the Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley corridors, which regularly hire junior AI or machine learning engineers who grow into senior roles. Contributing to research projects through UC San Diego or San Diego State University partnerships, or joining a startup as a full-stack engineer with an AI focus, builds the local portfolio that senior hiring managers look for.
Which industries hire the most senior ai software engineers in San Diego?
Most senior ai software engineer openings in San Diego sit in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. San Diego's deep concentration of defense contractors, biotech research institutions, and telecommunications infrastructure companies makes it one of the few markets where AI engineering roles appear consistently across all three sectors simultaneously.
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