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Staff Software Engineer – Platform Debug

Qualcomm

Listing collected from Qualcomm's career site. NextChapter is independent of Qualcomm.

Santa Clara, CA · Posted September 17, 2026

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  • Python
  • Java
  • C#

About the job

Company: Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area: Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering

General Summary:

We are seeking a skilled Software Platform Debug Engineer to design, develop, and debug low‑level software that enables and supports debug visibility on high‑performance server platforms. These debug features include both dynamic debug (e.g., peek/poke) and post‑mortem (crash) capabilities. In this role, you will work close to the hardware/software boundary, solving complex system‑level issues across firmware, operating systems, platform software, and host tooling. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, scalable solutions that meet demanding performance and reliability requirements.

This position is suitable for Senior‑ or Staff‑level engineers who demonstrate strong technical ownership, deep systems knowledge, and the ability to influence technical direction. This is a replacement headcount.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain software to support debug functionality across multiple system layers

Troubleshoot and resolve highly complex software defects across integrated components

Analyze system behavior by gathering and correlating information across modules, subsystems, and interfaces

Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software teams to identify root causes and deliver effective fixes

Communicate progress, risks, and mitigation strategies clearly to project leads and stakeholders

Identify design or implementation gaps and proactively drive solutions

Contribute technical input and solution strategies during design and debug reviews

Develop and execute unit and integration tests to ensure stability and functional correctness

Perform thorough code reviews and provide constructive technical feedback

Manage priorities, timelines, and deliverables for small‑ to medium‑sized initiatives

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.

• 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

5+ years of experience building software stacks for high‑performance systems

5+ years of experience in debug software development (tools, firmware, applications)

Master’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering

10+ years of experience building and debugging software for high‑performance platforms

Experience with ARM debug architectures or frameworks

Technical Skills & Expertise

Experience designing and/or supporting debug capabilities in complex SoCs and high‑performance CPU architectures, including:

JTAG debug and tooling

High‑performance trace

System crash analysis

Strong understanding of computer architecture, including:

High‑performance server designs

Hardware/software interfaces

Proficiency in C and assembly language

Systems programming experience using Python or similar languages

Familiarity with modern build systems and distributed version control workflows

Experience developing and debugging:

Platform and system software

Firmware and boot software

Debug and diagnostic tools

Level of Responsibility

Autonomy: Operates independently with minimal supervision

Communication: Conveys complex technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including senior leadership

Influence: Provides technical input that impacts key architectural and organizational decisions

Execution: Manages multi‑step, high‑complexity tasks with strong attention to detail

Innovation: Applies creativity and technical judgment to develop new approaches and solutions

Problem Solving: Uses advanced analytical reasoning to diagnose and resolve complex system issues

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here . Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).

To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.

EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.

Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits : $159,600.00 - $239,400.00

The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link .

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .