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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Sr. Staff / Principal Software Engineer - Linux Kernel & ARM Server Platforms - **Company:** Qualcomm - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $180,600.0 - $271,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Java (Programming Language), Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), Booting (BIOS), C++ (Programming Language), Information Systems, Data Centers, Software Debugging, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Linux Kernel, PCI Express, Performance Tuning, Software Engineering, System Programming, System Software, Extensible Firmware Interface, Information Technology, Server Operating Systems & Platforms, Programming Languages - **Published:** July 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=403d459c9faa1751 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience., 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., * 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. ## Description 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., * 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. ## Related Videos - [Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arm Architecture – Write Once, Deploy Anywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/940-unleashing-the-full-potential-of-the-arm-architecture-write-once-deploy-anywhere) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [The Sustainability Race: AI's Promises, Pitfalls and Potential](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100155-the-sustainability-race-ai-s-promises-pitfalls-and-potential) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) - [Building the Nervous System of AI - Michael Kagan (NVIDIA)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2133-building-the-nervous-system-of-ai-michael-kagan-nvidia) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)