Audio/Edge AI Silicon Validation and Firmware Engineer

Job Title

Audio/Edge AI Silicon Validation and Firmware Engineer

Role Summary

Join the ASICs Engineering team to validate and develop low-power audio and edge AI firmware and silicon. The role focuses on ASIC bring-up, validation of audio IP/DSP blocks and accelerators, and collaboration with cross-functional hardware and software teams.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Candidates typically have multiple years of embedded firmware and silicon validation experience; minimum practical experience starts at 2+ years, with many hires having 3–4+ years.

Responsibilities

Deliver post-silicon validation, firmware development and test automation for audio and edge-AI subsystems.

• Perform ASIC silicon bring-up and validation (functional, electrical, performance, power) for audio IP, DSPs, audio interfaces (I2S, PCM, SLIMbus, SoundWire, codecs) and accelerators.
• Develop and execute functional test and validation plans at block and full sub-system/SoC levels.
• Use lab equipment (audio generators/analyzers, oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, probes) to validate audio blocks and interfaces.
• Debug on ASIC platforms and FPGA prototyping systems; isolate and resolve firmware, driver, and hardware issues.
• Work with digital/mixed-signal design, verification, HW architecture and software/firmware teams across locations.
• Create procedures and test automation to accelerate validation and capture performance data against specifications.

Requirements

Core qualifications and skills required or strongly preferred for effective performance in this role.

• Must-have: 2+ years of embedded firmware development experience (C) and experience in silicon validation or related embedded/firmware work.
• Must-have: Experience debugging low-level software/hardware interactions and using debug tools (e.g., JTAG, ARM debuggers).
• Nice-to-have: Assembly, Python or other scripting; experience with real-time embedded OS; low-level CPU or DSP programming; familiarity with ARM AHB/AXI/APB interconnects.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with board/platform-level debug, source control (Perforce, Git), and familiarity with analog/digital audio formats.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with machine learning algorithms/techniques relevant to low-power inference.
• Nice-to-have: Strong analytical, detail-oriented debugging skills and effective written/verbal communication.

Education Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field with 4+ years of ASIC design/verification/validation/integration experience; OR Master's in Science, Engineering, or related field with 3+ years' related experience; OR PhD in Science, Engineering, or related field with 2+ years' related experience.

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.