Software Director, Engineering

Job Title

Software Director, Engineering

Role Summary

Lead technical strategy and delivery for embedded software across the full stack (boot ROM, bootloader, kernel, RTOS, drivers, and user-space) for IE-IoT and edge AI platforms. Serve as the primary technical owner for platform bring-up, hardware enablement, performance optimization, and productization.

Work cross-functionally with hardware, systems, product, and external partners to define architecture, resolve integration issues, prioritize technical work, and drive execution across multiple teams.

Experience Level

Senior — Director-level. Typical background: 8+ years in embedded software across the full stack and demonstrated supervisory or people-lead experience (posting cites 4+ years supervisory; preferred 8+ years).

Responsibilities

Deliver technical leadership, drive execution, and coordinate cross-functional engineering work to meet program objectives.

• Define software architecture and technical direction for IE‑IoT programs and platforms.
• Lead and coordinate multiple engineering teams across software layers and projects.
• Drive platform bring-up, hardware enablement, integration, and performance optimization.
• Resolve complex system integration issues with hardware, test, product, and partners.
• Mentor and advise senior engineers; foster technical development and leadership in the team.
• Make program-level technical decisions and influence organizational roadmaps and priorities.
• Manage technical priorities, schedules, and small budgets; provide input into financial planning.
• Own end-to-end system functionality and translate product requirements into engineering deliverables.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience (minimum qualifications reflect role expectations; degree requirements are summarized below under Education Requirements).

• Proven embedded software experience across the full stack (boot ROM, bootloader, kernel modules, RTOS, device drivers, user-space applications and APIs).
• Experience working in a SoC design house (required).
• Proficiency in low-level and systems languages such as C/C++; familiarity with Rust or Java is a plus.
• Strong Linux platform experience and familiarity with kernel/user-space integration and device drivers.
• Experience with platform bring-up, hardware enablement, and system-level performance optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, make high-impact decisions, and coordinate cross-functional stakeholders.
• Effective communicator able to present complex technical information to varied audiences.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with Zephyr RTOS, NPU drivers, or Qualcomm IE‑IoT / Qualcomm Linux stacks.
• Experience defining APIs and working with IP camera, industrial IoT, or robotics products.
• Extensive supervisory experience and prior director-level technical leadership.

Education Requirements

Degrees: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related field are cited. The posting lists alternative minimums by degree: Bachelor's + ~8 years of relevant experience; Master's + ~7–8 years; PhD + ~6 years. The listing also allows equivalent practical work experience in lieu of a degree where noted.

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.