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CPU/DSP Performance Engineer

qualcomm
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 8 May 2026
💰 $231,000/yr($154,000/yr – $231,000/yr)

About the role


Company:

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > DSP Architecture and Design

General Summary:

About the Role:
Qualcomm is seeking a low‑level embedded performance engineer with a strong foundation in CPU, DSP, and system architecture to drive end‑to‑end performance improvements across our automotive compute platforms. This role focuses on CPU & NPU interactions, analyzing and optimizing latency, throughput, power, and utilization across the full software and hardware stack. We’re looking for someone with a hacker mindset—curious, resourceful, and eager to dive deep into systems, reverse engineer behavior, and solve complex performance challenges close to the metal.
The ideal candidate will be proficient in processor architecture, C/C++ and assembly, embedded operating systems, and performance profiling tools.
Experience with AI workloads and large language models (LLMs) is a plus but not required.
Responsibilities:
  • Benchmark and analyze performance of multi-threaded and multi-processor software.
  • Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks across software, architecture, and micro-architecture layers.
  • Analyze ML KPIs to guide optimization efforts.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams across hardware and software domains.
  • Develop and maintain tools for performance analysis and tuning.
  • Stay current with advancements in computer architecture, micro-architecture, and AI model design.
Qualifications:
  • Proficiency in low‑level debugging and performance analysis, including interpreting traces, counters, and system‑level behavior
  • Strong background in operating systems, computer architecture, and micro-architecture.
  • Experience with multi-threaded and multi-processor systems.
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, or similar.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Preferred Skills:
  • Hands-on experience with debugging (gdb, lldb, winDbg or similar) and performance profiling tools (perf, VTune, Nsight or similar).
  • Familiarity with SIMD and SPMD execution models.
  • Understanding of hardware-software co-design principles.
  • Familiarity with linear algebra, and precision aware arithmetic is a plus.
  • Understanding of how ML architectures map to the hardware is a plus.
  • Knowledge of ML frameworks and libraries (ggml/llama.cpp or similar) is a plus.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of relevant experience.
  • OR Master’s degree in a related field and 1+ years of relevant experience.
  • OR PhD in a related field.

Minimum Qualifications:

•    Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.

•    2+ years of experience with high-performance microprocessor design.

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 dis

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