Company:Qualcomm Atheros, Inc.
Job Area:Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Applications Engineering
General Summary:As a Staff Application Software Engineer in the WIN Customer Engineering team, you will lead the integration of state-of-the-art AI/ML capabilities into Qualcomm's next-generation Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 8 Access Point platforms. You will bridge the gap between advanced AI research and commercial deployment, helping Tier-1 customers run optimized CNNs and LLMs directly on the edge device (AP/Router).
This role requires a unique blend of Machine Learning expertise (quantization, model optimization) and Embedded Systems knowledge (DDR profiling, Linux kernel) to ensure AI applications operate efficiently.
Key Responsibilities1. Edge AI Model Development & Optimization
Model Optimization: Lead the optimization of AI models (CNNs, Transformers, LLMs) for deployment on resource-constrained embedded targets. Utilize Quantization techniques (INT8/INT4) and pruning to fit models within limited memory (DDR) and compute budgets.
Hardware Acceleration: Offload inference workloads to the Hexagon NPU (NSP) and DSP to maximize performance per watt, ensuring minimal impact on the host CPU.
Debug & Profiling: perform deep-dive debugging of accuracy loss during quantization and runtime inference failures.
2. Agentic AI & LLM Applications
Network Agents: Develop "Agentic" workflows where local LLMs (e.g., Llama 3, Phi-3) analyze network telemetry to autonomously optimize Wi-Fi performance (e.g., "Gaming Mode" QoS tuning, Mesh steering) or assist with troubleshooting.
Edge Inference: Implement pipelines for on-device Generative AI and Multi-modal models (Vision + Text) to enable smart sensing and security features on the Gateway.
3. System Performance & Integration
Resource Management: Conduct rigorous CPU and DDR profiling to ensure AI workloads do not starve the networking stack (packet processing latency, throughput). Tune system memory interaction between the NPU, CPU, and Wi-Fi subsystems.
Integration: Integrate AI inference engines (e.g., TFLite, ONNX Runtime, Qualcomm AI Stack) into the OpenWrt/Linux based SDK.
4. Customer Enablement & Strategy
Technical Leadership: Serve as the AI subject matter expert for customers, guiding them on model selection, training pipelines, and deployment strategies for Qualcomm platforms.
Cloud Hybridization: Architect solutions that balance edge processing with cloud-based model updates and scalability.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Applications Engineering, Software Development experience, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Applications Engineering, Software Development experience, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Applications Engineering, Software Development experience, or related work experience.
2+ years of experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
1+ year of experience with debugging techniques.
Preferred Qualifications:- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- Experience: 5+ years of software engineering experience with a strong focus on Embedded AI/ML.
- AI/ML Expertise: Deep proficiency in PyTorch or TensorFlow. Hands-on experience with CNNs (Object Detection, Classification) and LLMs (Transformers).
- Model Optimization: Expert knowledge of Model Quantization (Post-Training Quantization, QAT), model compression, and debugging accuracy issues.
- Systems Programming: Strong coding skills in C/C++ and Python. Experience with Linux user-space development, multi-threading, and memory management.
- Performance Profiling: Proficiency with profiling tools (e.g., perf, eBPF, hardware counters) to analyze DDR bandwidth, cache misses, and CPU load.
- Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving abilities and communication skills to articulate complex AI concepts to networking engineers and customers.
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 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).
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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: $145,000.00 - $217,600.00
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.
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