Staff Software Engineer – Host & Secure Compute Software

About the Role

Qualcomm Cloud Edge in Cork, Ireland is looking for a Staff Software Engineer to spearhead the creation of Linux-based system software tailored for next-generation datacenter and secure computing platforms. This position centers on the advancement of host-side software, device drivers, and system integration for Qualcomm's cutting-edge inference accelerators and secure compute technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance Linux user-space and kernel-adjacent drivers and supporting libraries, primarily using contemporary C++.
• Lead the creation of host software platforms that support advanced AI inference and secure compute workloads.
• Design APIs, architect multi-threaded systems, and build scalable software solutions.
• Manage feature development, hardware-software integration, and product deployment across teams.
• Engineer comprehensive unit, integration, and system-level testing frameworks suitable for continuous integration environments.
• Oversee functional and performance testing to validate host software and drivers.
• Implement best practices promoting automation, test coverage, and maintainability over time.
• Integrate software with Trusted Execution Environments such as Secure VMs and Software-Isolated VMs.
• Facilitate secure PCIe device assignment, SR-IOV, and workloads hosted on container or virtual machines.
• Build and maintain mechanisms for device attestation, lifecycle controls, and secure interface setup.
• Collaborate on security features involving PCIe firewalling, memory safeguards, and register isolation.
• Troubleshoot complex system-level problems including boot sequences, PCIe link issues, log handling, and overflow scenarios.
• Optimize host software to maximize AI inference performance and minimize latency.
• Utilize advanced Linux debugging, tracing, and performance profiling tools.
• Provide technical leadership and direction across cross-functional teams encompassing hardware, firmware, security, and cloud engineering.
• Conduct design reviews, mentor senior engineers, and influence system architecture decisions.
• Support deployment efforts and resolve intricate system integration challenges.

Required Expertise

• Proven, extensive experience in modern C/C++ Linux system software development.
• Strong skills in Linux user-space programming, API design, and multi-threading with synchronization.
• In-depth knowledge of Linux internals including kernel modules, driver development, and system initialization.
• Familiarity with UML and object-oriented design principles for large-scale, maintainable software architectures.
• Understanding of System on Chip (SoC) components such as processors, caches, memory hierarchies, interconnects, and I/O.
• Experienced in source control systems with mandatory knowledge of git.
• Capability to manage detailed low-level software implementations while appreciating the overall system context.
• Proficient communication skills in English, both written and oral.
• Comfortable working within high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Staff Level Expectations

• A minimum of six years’ relevant professional experience in systems or platform software engineering.
• Proven track record leading complex subsystem development throughout multiple project releases.
• Demonstrated ability to set strategic technical directions beyond routine task execution.
• Experience shaping architecture, software quality, and engineering standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in secure computing, confidential computing, or Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs).
• Knowledge of virtualization and containerization technologies such as KVM, Docker, and SR-IOV.
• Understanding of cryptographic protocols, device security mechanisms, and hardware attestation processes.
• Exposure to optimizing AI or machine learning inference workloads at the system software level.
• Competence in Python for tooling, testing, and automation purposes.
• Familiarity with C/C++ unit testing frameworks, for example, Google Test (gtest).
• Experience working with cloud technologies, middleware layers, and communication protocols.
• Working knowledge of PCIe version 3.0 or later.
• Hands-on experience with Linux system administration.
• Contributions to open-source kernel projects or confidential computing initiatives are advantageous.

Location & Work Environment

The role is based in Cork, Ireland, a prominent economic hub known for its diverse and multinational workforce. Cork provides an excellent quality of life and convenient international connectivity through its airport serving over 50 destinations, including transatlantic flights.

Company Commitment

Qualcomm is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected categories.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary along with performance bonuses and stock incentives.
• Parental leave policies supporting maternity and paternity needs.
• Employee stock purchase programs and pension matching schemes.
• Educational support for career development.
• Assistance with relocation and immigration, if applicable.
• Comprehensive life, medical, income, and travel insurance coverage.
• Subsidized memberships promoting physical and mental health.
• Bicycle purchase program and various employee clubs, including sports and games.

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related fields with 4+ years of software engineering experience.
• OR Master's degree in the relevant fields with 3+ years experience.
• OR PhD in relevant disciplines with at least 2 years experience.
• Minimum 2 years of programming experience in languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python.
• Experience requirements are indicative; candidates with equivalent competencies will be considered.

Additional Information

The company supports reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Qualcomm expects all employees to comply with security policies, confidentiality, and intellectual property protections in accordance with applicable laws. Staffing agencies are not authorized to submit unsolicited applications or resumes.