Sensor Systems Engineer

Job Title

Sensor Systems Engineer

Role Summary

Systems Engineer on the fingerprint sensor team responsible for architecting end-to-end fingerprint sensing solutions for next-generation mobile devices. Work spans system-level analysis, hardware/software co-optimization, firmware definition, algorithm validation, and production-readiness for high-volume consumer products.

Experience Level

Mid-level. See Education Requirements for degree‑to‑experience guidance (typical experience requirements vary by degree).

Responsibilities

Deliver system-level sensor solutions from architecture through verification and production integration.

• Define end-to-end system architecture and integration requirements for fingerprint sensor modules.
• Optimize hardware/software interfaces and drive schemes to improve system performance and efficiency.
• Lead algorithm development and validation, integrating sensor physics with data analysis to improve accuracy and robustness.
• Develop hardware specifications for ASICs, sensors, and module components.
• Characterize and optimize system performance under edge and corner conditions via firmware development and testing.
• Perform system-level verification and validation to ensure reliability, scalability, and production readiness.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, firmware, and product teams to enable integration into high-volume products.
• Prepare technical documentation, design descriptions, and test materials; support and lead design reviews.
• Identify systemic issues and recommend architectures, models, simulations, and solutions across teams.

Requirements

Core technical skills and practical experience required. Degree details and required years of experience are listed under Education Requirements.

• Proven systems engineering experience with mixed-signal design and system-level performance characterization.
• Experience in algorithm development and validation for sensor data and performance improvement.
• Familiarity with ASIC specifications, sensor physics, and module-level design and integration.
• Strong hardware/software interaction skills, including firmware development and HW/SW co-optimization.
• System verification and validation experience for reliability and production readiness.
• Hands-on experience with CADENCE, SPICE, MATLAB, Verilog/VHDL, Python, and laboratory hardware and test setups.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; attention to edge-case performance and robustness.
• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and produce clear technical documentation.
• Nice-to-have: experience with CMOS sensor design using TFT/LTPS technologies.

Education Requirements

Minimum qualifications (any one of): Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field plus 6+ years of systems engineering or related experience; OR Master's degree in those fields plus 5+ years' relevant experience; OR PhD in those fields plus 4+ years' relevant experience. Preferred: Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field. (Posting lists degree + years combinations as minimum requirements.)

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.