Audio/Edge AI Silicon Validation and Firmware Engineer

Job Title

Audio/Edge AI Silicon Validation and Firmware Engineer

Role Summary

Work on Qualcomm's audio and edge-AI subsystem to validate ASIC silicon, audio IP cores, interfaces, and low-power AI accelerators. The role combines embedded firmware development, silicon bring-up, lab validation, and cross-functional debugging.

Member of the ASIC validation/firmware team collaborating with digital/mixed-signal design, hardware architecture, and software teams across geographies to deliver validated audio/AI silicon.

Experience Level

Mid-level. The posting requests a minimum of 2+ years of embedded firmware or silicon validation experience; minimum qualifications vary by degree (see Education Requirements).

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include silicon bring-up, validation, and firmware-driven test development for audio and AI subsystems.

• ASIC silicon bring-up and validation (functional, electrical, performance, and power) for audio IP, DSPs, audio interfaces, and AI accelerators.
• Develop, implement, and execute block-level and full sub-system/SoC validation and functional test plans.
• Use lab equipment (audio generators/analyzers, oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, probes) to validate audio blocks and interfaces.
• Test and debug on ASIC platforms and FPGA prototyping systems.
• Leverage and develop firmware, drivers, procedures, and test automation to accelerate validation.
• Collaborate with digital/mixed-signal design, HW architecture, and SW/FW teams to isolate and resolve hardware and software issues.
• Collect, analyze, and validate performance specifications and requirements.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred skills listed separately.

• Minimum 2+ years embedded firmware development, firmware-driven silicon validation, or related work experience.
• Proficient in C for embedded firmware development.
• Experience validating audio interfaces and IP (examples: I2S, PCM, SLIMbus, SoundWire, audio codecs) or similar on-chip blocks.
• Experience using lab equipment (audio analyzers/generators, oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers) and performing board/platform-level debug.
• Experience with low-level CPU or DSP control/programming and using JTAG / ARM-compliant debuggers.
• Experience testing on ASIC platforms and FPGA/prototyping systems; strong analytical and debugging skills.
• Experience with source control systems (Perforce, Git).

Nice-to-have:

• Scripting and automation (Python or similar), assembly language experience.
• Familiarity with real-time embedded operating systems.
• Understanding of on-chip interconnects (AHB, AXI, APB) and CPU/cache/bus architectures.
• Familiarity with machine-learning algorithms and audio signal properties/formats.
• Strong written/verbal communication and collaboration skills.

Education Requirements

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field plus 4+ years of ASIC design/verification/validation/integration experience; OR Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field plus 3+ years; OR PhD in Science, Engineering, or related field plus 2+ years. Related work experience is accepted where stated.

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.