Modem Firmware Engineer

Job Title

Modem Firmware Engineer

Role Summary

Work on Qualcomm's modem firmware for PHY layer and DSP vector processing. The role focuses on low-level SIMD/assembly optimization, embedded real-time firmware for Tx/Rx baseband chains, and modem control orchestration.

The team develops, verifies, and integrates modem signal-processing firmware, test and debug infrastructure, and contributes to relevant specifications (for example ORAN and FAPI) as needed.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Preferred 1+ year of applicable wireless, semiconductor, or embedded software industry experience; candidates with relevant signal-processing or embedded systems experience are suitable.

Responsibilities

Contribute to modem firmware design, implementation, testing, and integration across the signal-processing chain.

• Design and implement DSP/PHY firmware for Tx and Rx baseband functions.
• Write and optimize low-level SIMD/assembly and C code for constrained MIPS and memory environments.
• Develop unit tests and test methodologies; participate in integration and verification.
• Debug firmware on target hardware and improve test coverage and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet performance, power, and product requirements.
• Document designs, algorithms, and feature behavior for use by engineers and integrators.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience required to perform the role; preferred items listed separately.

• Must-have: Experience with DSP intrinsics/assembly and SIMD optimization.
• C programming for embedded systems and real-time operating systems.
• Knowledge of signal processing and communication theory relevant to modem PHY.
• Experience with multi-threaded programming and constrained embedded environments.
• Familiarity with firmware development workflows, debugging on target hardware, and test-driven development.
• Nice-to-have: MATLAB, prior modem/PHY firmware or DSP development, familiarity with 5G NR and LTE protocols, and experience with computer architecture or embedded systems.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Preferred: Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

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.