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Modem HW Design Engineer — AI-Driven Next-Gen Modem Hardware Development

Qualcomm
September 04, 2026
Full-time
On-site
San Diego, California, United States
$104,000 - $191,900 USD yearly
RTL Design Jobs, Level - Entry or Early Career

Job Title

Modem HW Design Engineer — AI-Driven Next-Gen Modem Hardware Development

Role Summary

Design modem hardware for next-generation wireless products using AI-driven and ML-assisted design flows. The role focuses on defining architecture and micro-architecture, developing RTL, and optimizing area, power, and performance for modem ASICs.

Work within a cross-functional hardware organization including verification, modeling, physical implementation, system, RF, firmware, and software teams to deliver first-time-right silicon.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Early-career. Preferred 1+ years of relevant programming or semiconductor/embedded experience; 6+ months of WWAN modem development experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Define specifications, architecture, and micro-architecture for modem hardware blocks.
  • Develop, review, and maintain RTL (Verilog/SystemVerilog) for wireless modem ASICs.
  • Optimize designs for area, power, performance, and timing.
  • Integrate GenAI/ML-assisted flows and automation frameworks into design and verification processes.
  • Collaborate with verification, modeling, physical implementation, system, RF, firmware, and software teams.
  • Support synthesis, linting, clock-domain-crossing closure, low-power methodology, and verification sign-off.
  • Participate in design reviews and drive issues to resolution to achieve first-pass silicon success.

Requirements

Technical must-haves and preferred skills.

Must-have:

  • 1+ year of programming experience (C, C++, Python).
  • RTL coding and logic design using Verilog/SystemVerilog.
  • Experience with synthesis, industry LINT tools, clock-domain-crossing techniques, and low-power design.
  • Familiarity with verification methodologies and sign-off activities.
  • Unix/Linux shell scripting; familiarity with Python or Perl, Makefiles, and XML.
  • 1+ year of applicable wireless, semiconductor, or embedded software industry experience; 6+ months WWAN modem development experience preferred.

Nice-to-have:

  • Experience with computer architecture or embedded systems.
  • Experience adopting GenAI/ML-assisted design or agentic automation workflows.
  • Experience integrating hardware with system, RF, firmware, and software teams on modem products.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required. A Master's degree in the same fields is preferred.


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.

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Date Posted: 2026-09-03