Sr. Director, Engineering

Job Title

Senior Director, Software Engineering

Role Summary

Lead software architecture, development, and execution for Qualcomm's next-generation AI accelerator platform. Own end-to-end software strategy across system software, runtimes, compilers, ML frameworks, SDKs, performance optimization, validation, and developer enablement.

Work closely with silicon architects, hardware design teams, product management, ecosystem partners, and major customers to deliver a high-performance datacenter AI software stack.

Experience Level

Senior — typically 10+ years of software engineering experience. Preferred candidates have 15+ years and significant leadership of large, globally distributed engineering organizations.

Responsibilities

Lead strategy and delivery for the full software stack supporting a flagship AI accelerator.

• Define and execute software vision, architecture, roadmap, and delivery aligned to product and business objectives.
• Manage multiple engineering organizations (system software, device drivers, runtimes, compilers, ML frameworks, SDKs, tooling, validation, release).
• Drive hardware-software co-design with silicon and hardware teams to maximize performance, efficiency, and programmability.
• Oversee software readiness across architecture definition, pre-silicon enablement, bring-up, validation, customer engagements, and production release.
• Set performance, power, reliability, and usability goals for the platform software stack.
• Lead strategic engagements with hyperscalers, ecosystem partners, standards organizations, and key customers.
• Build, mentor, and scale high-performing engineering teams across geographies and present status and strategy to executive leadership.

Requirements

Must-have technical and leadership qualifications (concise):

• Proven track record leading large software teams on complex semiconductor or accelerator platforms, delivering platform software for SoC/accelerator/GPU/NPU/CPU/DSP or HPC products.
• Strong experience in system software, device drivers, kernel integration, firmware, runtimes/execution engines, and compiler technologies.
• Practical experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python.
• Experience with performance optimization, benchmarking, validation, and release engineering for high-performance systems.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional execution involving hardware and software co-development and to engage customers and partners.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with MLIR/LLVM, Triton, or other compiler frameworks; familiarity with PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, ONNX, Mojo, or Triton ecosystems.
• Experience with accelerator memory hierarchies, interconnects, parallel programming models, hyperscale cloud deployments, and developer platform delivery.
• Publications, patents, or recognized technical leadership in AI systems or HPC.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent practical experience) with experience thresholds defined (Bachelor's +10 years, Master's +9 years, PhD +8 years). Preferred: advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, AI/ML, or related discipline. Equivalent practical experience is acceptable 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.