Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Storage

About the Role

This role offers an opportunity to join Qualcomm's Core Peripherals Storage team based in Cork, Ireland. The team is responsible for creating storage drivers, filesystems, and related tools for Qualcomm System on Chips (SoCs), working with advanced flash storage technologies such as UFS, NVMe, SD Express, eMMC, NAND, and NOR.

As a Senior Engineer, you will develop storage drivers and software modules throughout the storage technology stack, including bootloaders, UEFI, Windows high-level operating systems (HLOS), and Linux user space. You will work with filesystems like FAT (for bootloaders) and LittleFS (in the Zephyr RTOS). Additionally, you'll contribute to storage flashing tools utilized during development and manufacturing.

You'll also be involved in building PC utilities for image creation (FAT, GPT partitioning), flash provisioning (such as UFS), and supporting Qualcomm’s proprietary filesystems (e.g., EFS) and modem image components (MPSS, ADSP, CDSP, SLPI). Developing and maintaining Linux user-space tools aimed at storage testing and validation will be a crucial part of your responsibilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain storage drivers and Qualcomm proprietary filesystem modules targeting modem processors and Linux-based Qualcomm SoCs.
• Work extensively with Linux kernel components including storage drivers, filesystem modules, block drivers, and memory subsystems.
• Enhance storage and memory performance optimizing runtime efficiency and minimizing power consumption.
• Support the commercialization process by diagnosing and resolving kernel-level issues reported by customers and flash hardware vendors.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, open-source contributors, and the Linux kernel community.
• Actively contribute to upstream Linux kernel development to implement new storage and memory features.
• Support product expansion beyond mobile markets into automotive, home entertainment, and embedded computing sectors.

Required Skills and Experience

• A minimum of 4 years experience in embedded software engineering.
• Advanced proficiency in C programming is essential; Python knowledge is considered advantageous.
• Expertise in Linux kernel programming, device driver creation, and understanding of kernel internals such as memory management and scheduling.
• Experience with Linux filesystem modules like F2FS, EXT4, and EROFS is beneficial.
• Strong debugging capabilities at both kernel and user-space levels, including use of JTAG or in-circuit emulators (ICE).
• Solid understanding of real-time and embedded programming fundamentals and RTOS concepts.
• Familiarity with ARM architecture and hardware-level debugging techniques is desirable.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.

Educational Prerequisites

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline with at least 2 years of software engineering or relevant experience.
• Alternatively, a Master's degree with 1 year of relevant software experience.
• PhD holders in relevant fields are also encouraged to apply.
• Experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python of two or more years academically or professionally is required.

Location and Work Environment

This position is based in Cork, Ireland, an economically vibrant city known as Ireland’s second largest economic hub with over 39,000 employees across 170+ international companies. Cork is a multicultural city offering an excellent quality of life and a gateway to Europe through an international airport hub.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Qualcomm is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates receive consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any protected classification.

Additional Benefits

• Competitive salary, employee stock options, and performance-based bonuses.
• Maternity and paternity leave options.
• Employee stock purchase plans and matching pension schemes.
• Educational assistance programs.
• Relocation and immigration assistance, if necessary.
• Life, medical, income, and travel insurance coverage.
• Subsidized wellness memberships for physical and mental health.
• Bicycle purchase programs.
• Employee clubs focused on activities such as running, football, chess, and badminton.

Equal Accessibility and Hiring Policies

Qualcomm ensures accessible hiring processes and workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations in the application and interview stages are available on request.

Applicants should note Qualcomm's commitment to confidentiality and compliance with company policies and applicable laws. Unsolicited resumes from agencies are not accepted and will not be considered.