Staff Software Engineer – Host & Secure Compute Software

About Qualcomm Cloud Edge Team

Qualcomm Cloud Edge in Cork is actively recruiting a Staff Software Engineer to spearhead the development of Linux-based system software for cutting-edge datacenter and secure compute platforms. This position will focus primarily on host-side software including drivers and system integration designed for Qualcomm's high-performance AI inference accelerators and secure compute technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and develop Linux user-space and kernel-adjacent drivers and libraries using modern C++ techniques.
• Lead the creation of host software stacks tailored for advanced AI inference and secure compute operations.
• Design APIs and scalable multi-threaded system architectures for robust performance.
• Take ownership of developing, integrating, and bringing up features spanning hardware-software interfaces.
• Create unit, integration, and end-to-end system tests within continuous integration (CI) environments, establishing high standards for test automation and maintainability.
• Validate host software functionality and performance through rigorous testing.
• Implement secure compute integration including Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) like Secure VMs and Software-Isolated VMs, supporting techniques such as PCIe device assignments and virtualization features (SR-IOV, container/VM workloads).
• Support device attestation, lifecycle management, PCIe firewall policies, memory protections, and register isolation mechanisms.
• Troubleshoot complex host software situations including boot sequences, PCIe link behaviors, and logging pathways.
• Optimize system software for AI inference workloads with strong emphasis on latency and efficiency.
• Utilize advanced Linux debugging, tracing, and profiling tools.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams spanning hardware, firmware, hypervisor, security, and cloud domains.
• Assist customers with deployment challenges and intricate system-level issues.

Required Experience and Skills

• Deep expertise in Linux system software development using modern C/C++ languages.
• Strong grasp of Linux user-space development including API design and multi-threading synchronization.
• Comprehensive understanding of Linux kernel internals, driver development, and system bring-up processes.
• Proficient in UML, object-oriented design, and engineering large-scale software architectures.
• Keen knowledge of System on Chip (SoC) architecture covering cores, caches, memory hierarchy, interconnects, and I/O systems.
• Experienced in source control management, specifically with git.
• Comfortable balancing low-level component implementation with system-wide architecture perspectives.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A collaborative mindset suited for high-tech, interdisciplinary engineering teams.
• At least six years of industry experience related to system or platform software engineering with proven ownership of complex subsystems across multiple release cycles.
• Capability to guide technical direction and influence architecture and engineering standards at a staff engineer level.

Desirable Skills

• Background in secure and confidential computing including experience with TEEs.
• Knowledge of virtualization and containerization technologies such as KVM, Docker, and SR-IOV.
• Familiarity with cryptographic protocols, device security measures, and attestation processes.
• Experience optimizing AI and ML inference workloads on system software platforms.
• Python proficiency for developing tooling, test automation, or scripting.
• Use of C/C++ unit testing frameworks like gtest.
• Exposure to cloud computing middleware and protocols.
• Understanding of PCI Express (PCIe) 3.0 or higher specifications.
• Linux system administration skills.
• Contributions to open source kernel or confidential computing projects.

Education Requirements

Applicants should hold:
- A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science or related discipline with four or more years of software engineering experience, OR
- A Master's degree with at least three years of related experience, OR
- A PhD with minimum two years of related experience.
Additionally, candidates should have two or more years of experience programming in languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python. Equivalent relevant experience will also be considered if applicants demonstrate the ability and competencies required.

Location and Work Environment

This role is based in Cork, Ireland, a vibrant economic hub with a diverse workforce and excellent quality of life. Cork provides easy access to numerous international destinations via its airport.

Equal Opportunity and Additional Information

The company is committed to equal opportunity and implements thorough accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Qualcomm also expects adherence to corporate policies including confidentiality and data protection. This hiring process excludes use by recruiting agencies and unsolicited applications through agencies will not be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance bonuses and stock options.
• Parental leave policies including maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee stock purchase plan and matched pension contributions.
• Support for relocation and immigration as necessary.
• Life, medical, income, and travel insurance offerings.
• Programs for mental and physical health including subsidized memberships.
• Bicycle purchase schemes and various employee clubs (running, football, chess, badminton, etc.).