Software Engineer - Modem

Job Title

Software Engineer - Modem

Role Summary

Design, implement, verify, validate, and commercialize wireless WAN (cellular) modem air-interface and radio software. Work on transceiver control, HW APIs, and modem RAN layers (L1/L2/L3) as part of a cross-functional modem technologies software team to deliver modem IP that meets performance, power, and cost goals.

Experience Level

Entry-level. The posting indicates ~1+ year of programming or industry experience is preferred; role works under supervision and is suitable for early-career engineers.

Responsibilities

Primary day-to-day responsibilities include implementing and verifying modem software components, creating test cases, and collaborating across teams to integrate features into modem IP.

• Implement and verify transceiver, HW control, and RAN software components for multi-RAT modems (LTE/5G NR) from industry specifications.
• Apply RF and WWAN protocol knowledge to implement shared modem resources across modes.
• Develop models and simulations for component design and validation.
• Create test cases and perform validation against specs to verify designs.
• Write technical documentation and feature descriptions for modem software projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, RF, algorithms) to meet throughput, latency, power, and cost targets.

Requirements

Concise list of required and preferred technical skills and experience (education requirements are listed separately).

• Must-have: Practical experience or coursework in programming with C/C++ (and/or Python) and familiarity with embedded systems or computer architecture.
• Must-have: Basic understanding of wireless protocols or exposure to WWAN concepts (protocol stacks, L1/L2/L3) and ability to read industry specs (e.g., 3GPP).
• Preferred: Prior industry experience in wireless, semiconductor, or embedded software (posting cites ~1+ year as preferred).
• Preferred: Specific WWAN modem development experience (posting cites ~6+ months as preferred).
• Other: Ability to develop simulations/models, create test plans, and produce technical documentation; good verbal and written communication skills.

Education Requirements

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