Senior Lead Engineer - Linux Software APSS Image Integration

Company

Qualcomm India Private Limited

Job Area

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering

General Summary

The Linux Software APSS image integration lead is responsible for end-to-end technical execution and delivery of Linux-based software platforms, working across kernel, BSP, middleware, and system integration layers. This role acts as the technical integrator and execution owner, driving cross-functional alignment between silicon, software, validation, and product teams to deliver high-quality, scalable Linux solutions aligned with upstream and open-source best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Relevant experience – 8 to 10 years.

Technical Program Execution

Own technical planning, execution, and delivery of Linux software milestones across platform bring-up, stabilization, and releases.Drive BSP and platform enablement for SoCs, including bootloader, kernel, device tree, drivers, and root filesystem.Ensure alignment with mainline kernel, upstream-first, and open development models where applicable.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Act as the single technical point of ownership connecting kernel, Yocto/build, middleware (RDKB, OWRT, PRPL), validation, security, and customer teams.Coordinate with SoC, firmware, hardware, and power/performance teams to resolve platform-level issues.Drive execution across geographically distributed teams and stakeholders.

Architecture & Technical Oversight

Provide technical guidance on:Linux kernel (drivers, power management, security, virtualization)Device Tree / overlaysYocto Project / build systemsPlatform boot flows (UEFI, U-Boot, fastboot)

Review architecture decisions for scalability, reuse, and upstream compatibility.

Quality & Release Management

Define and track feature readiness, risks, and quality metrics across releases.Drive root cause analysis and resolution of system-level issues (boot, stability, performance, CVEs).Ensure timely delivery of release artifacts, documentation, and hand-offs.

Open Source & Upstream Engagement

Promote and enforce upstream-first and open-source compliance practices.Review patches for upstream quality, licensing, and maintainability.Engage with open-source communities as required.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

Support internal and external customers with technical reviews, issue triage, and roadmap alignment.Translate customer and product requirements into clear technical execution plans.Present status, risks, and technical trade-offs to leadership and stakeholders.

Technical Skills

Required Skills & Qualifications

Strong expertise in Linux kernel internals (drivers, power, memory, scheduling, security).Hands-on experience with embedded Linux BSP development.Strong working knowledge of:Yocto/OWRT Project / BitBakeDevice Tree (DTS/DTB, overlays)Bootloaders (UEFI, U-Boot)Debugging tools (ftrace, perf, gdb, crash, JTAG)

Experience with ARM-based SoCs and hardware bring-up.

Project & Execution Skills

Proven ability to drive complex, multi-team technical programs.Strong execution mindset with experience managing dependencies, risks, and milestones.Ability to balance engineering depth with delivery deadlines.

Soft Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills.Comfort working with senior engineers, architects, and executive stakeholders.Ability to influence without authority and resolve conflicts pragmatically.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with mainline Linux development or upstream contributions.Exposure to virtualization (KVM, Xen, Gunyah) or containers.Experience with security hardening, CVE management, and compliance.Prior experience as a Tech Lead, System Lead, or Project Engineer for platform software.

Success Metrics

On-time delivery of Linux platform milestones and releases.Platform stability, quality, and upstream alignment.Reduction in integration issues and late-cycle surprises.Strong cross-team trust and execution predictability.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.

OR

Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.

OR

PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.

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

Applicants: 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).

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.

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.

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