Staff Modem Systems Engineer

Job Title

Staff Modem Systems Engineer

Role Summary

Design and commercialize wireless WAN (cellular) modem air-interface, transceiver, HW control and radio access stratum features for multi‑RAT modems (notably LTE and 5G NR). Work with modem HW, firmware, RF front-end, and systems teams to define modem IP architecture, algorithms, and HW/SW/co‑processor partitioning to meet performance, power, and cost targets.

Experience Level

Senior. Typical candidate has multiple years of relevant industry experience (see Education Requirements for degree/experience equivalencies). Preferred experience includes modem development, embedded systems, and system/architecture work.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include design, verification, and commercialization of modem features and components, and cross‑team integration.

• Design, implement, verify and validate modem air‑interface and radio access stratum features across multi‑RAT systems.
• Define and drive modem IP architecture, HW/SW interfaces, and system algorithms in collaboration with RFFE and HW teams.
• Develop and review models, simulations and code; identify accuracy/reliability issues and propose tradeoffs and solutions.
• Lead technical design reviews and own feature design and implementation for assigned areas.
• Create test environments and comprehensive verification plans; evaluate results and validate modem behavior against specifications.
• Support modem bring‑up, debugging, and resolution of customer/field issues across functional areas.
• Produce clear technical documentation and feature descriptions for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (RF, baseband, firmware, systems, HW) to meet customer and product requirements.
• Provide guidance to less experienced engineers and contribute to technical planning within the domain.
• Note: role responsibilities do not include supervising direct reports.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items listed separately.

• Deep modem domain knowledge (RF, baseband, signal processing, communication protocols, VLSI, or computer architecture).
• Proficiency in programming and scripting (C, C++, Python) and experience with embedded systems or firmware development.
• Experience developing and reviewing models, simulations, and verification code; ability to design comprehensive test plans.
• Experience debugging modem bring‑up and resolving cross‑functional system issues.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to work across teams and provide technical leadership without direct reports.
• Preferred: hands‑on WWAN modem development experience, semiconductor or embedded software industry experience, and prior technical lead roles.

Education Requirements

Minimum qualifications specify one of: Bachelor's in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field plus 4+ years of related engineering experience; OR Master's in those fields plus 3+ years of related experience; OR PhD in those fields plus 2+ years of related experience. Preferred qualifications note a Master's or PhD is preferred. The posting also references equivalent practical work experience in lieu of a degree.

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.