5G/6G Modem Software Engineer

Job Title

5G/6G Modem Software Engineer

Role Summary

Design and implement modem firmware and embedded software for LTE, 5G-Advanced, and early 6G research on Snapdragon platforms. Work across protocol stack layers (L1/L2/L3) to deliver 3GPP-compliant features, real-time scheduling and resource-management algorithms, and frameworks for OEM/operator integration.

The role is on the Modem Software team and involves close collaboration with systems, architecture, and hardware teams to drive modem bring-up, integration, and performance optimization.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Early Career - typically 1–2 years of academic or industry experience in C/C++ and embedded software.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include

• Design, develop, debug, and optimize modem firmware/software for LTE, 5G-Advanced protocol stack layers and early 6G prototyping.
• Develop and maintain real-time embedded software on proprietary RTOS (QuRT) meeting strict latency and throughput constraints.
• Collaborate with systems, architecture, and hardware teams for modem bring-up, integration, and performance tuning.
• Analyze and resolve complex field issues and interoperability problems using protocol logs, trace tools, and debuggers.
• Write and maintain unit tests, integration tests, and automation scripts to ensure software quality.
• Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and maintain technical documentation.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience (concise):

• Proficient in C/C++ programming with practical experience (1–2 years indicated in posting).
• Foundational understanding of embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and data structures & algorithms.
• Basic knowledge of wireless communication concepts (e.g., OFDM, MIMO, channel coding) or digital signal processing fundamentals.
• Experience debugging embedded environments and analyzing protocol logs and traces.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in cross-functional engineering teams.
• Not eligible for Qualcomm immigration sponsorship (role-specific requirement).

Nice-to-have:

• Industry experience in embedded software for wireless/telecom systems and familiarity with RTOS such as QuRT, FreeRTOS, ThreadX, or Zephyr.
• Working knowledge of 3GPP 5G NR / LTE specifications and modem protocol stack development.
• Familiarity with debugging/performance tools (e.g., JTAG, Lauterbach/Trace32, QXDM), version control (Git/Perforce), CI/CD, and Agile workflows.
• Exposure to AI/ML concepts for modem optimization, scripting languages for system configuration, and multi-threading/concurrency in constrained environments.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Communication Engineering, or a related field. Preferred: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Communication, or Wireless Communications. (Source lists these degrees and fields explicitly.)

About the Company

Company: Qualcomm

Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States

Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.