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

Qualcomm
September 30, 2026
Full-time
On-site
San Diego, California, United States
$162,500 - $243,700 USD yearly
RTL Design Jobs, Level - Mid-Career

Job Title

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

Role Summary

Design and implement modem hardware for next-generation wireless products, using AI-augmented flows to accelerate RTL development, verification, and delivery of first-time-right silicon. Work within a cross-functional hardware team focused on architecture, RTL, verification, modeling, and physical implementation.

Experience Level

Mid-level - experienced engineer. Typical experience expectations span approximately 3–7 years; preferred candidates have 5+ years in industry (see Education Requirements for degree-specific minimums).

Responsibilities

The role combines architecture, RTL implementation, and cross-team collaboration to deliver modem silicon.

  • Define specifications, architecture, and micro-architecture for modem datapaths and modem subsystems.
  • Develop, review, and maintain RTL (Verilog/SystemVerilog) and associated design artifacts.
  • Optimize designs for area, power, and performance; participate in synthesis and implementation trade-offs.
  • Collaborate with verification, modeling, physical implementation, system, RF, firmware, and software teams to ensure correct system integration and first-time-right silicon.
  • Address clock-domain crossing, lint, timing, and low-power design considerations.
  • Apply AI/ML-assisted methodologies and automation (GenAI/agentic-AI) to accelerate design and delivery workflows.
  • Prepare design documentation, participate in design reviews, and support bring-up and silicon debug as needed.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience.

  • Strong RTL coding and logic design experience for ASIC datapaths or modem/dsp components.
  • Proficiency in Verilog and SystemVerilog; familiarity with C/C++ and SystemC is valuable.
  • Experience with synthesis, industry LINT tools, CDC analysis, and low-power design techniques.
  • Background in wireless or wireline modem technology, DSP, or communication systems.
  • Unix/Linux shell scripting and proficiency with Python or Perl; experience with Makefiles and XML.
  • Effective communication, collaboration, and critical‑thinking skills required for cross-disciplinary engineering.
  • Nice-to-have: experience with Generative AI/ML or agentic-AI automation frameworks, ultra-deep sub-micron nodes (e.g., 4nm and below), and knowledge of 4G/5G 3GPP physical-layer standards.

Education Requirements

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field plus 4+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree in those fields plus 3+ years of relevant experience; OR PhD in those fields plus 2+ years of relevant experience. Preferred: BS/MS with 5+ years of industry experience. The listing specifies degrees in CE, CS, EE, or related technical fields and experience-based alternatives tied to degree level.


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: 2026-09-30