Principal Embedded Software Engineer – Qualcomm BSP & Chipset Bring-up | Redmond, WA Featured job

Posted time July 23, 2025 Location USA Job type Full-time

Are you passionate about cutting-edge embedded systems and working directly on the latest Qualcomm platforms? We are looking for a highly experienced Principal Embedded Software Engineer to lead the bring-up and optimization of Qualcomm chipsets, such as the Snapdragon 8650, across a range of next-gen products.

This is a technical leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of hardware and low-level software. You will work hands-on with custom hardware, lead Board Support Package (BSP) development, debug critical system-level issues, and optimize performance for reliability and power efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you will:

  • Lead Qualcomm chipset bring-up from initial power-on to full system readiness on custom hardware.

  • Develop Board Support Packages (BSP) including bootloaders, device trees, kernel changes, and drivers tailored to Qualcomm platforms.

  • Debug low-level integration issues involving firmware, software, and hardware interactions.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers, Qualcomm representatives, and software developers.

  • Optimize embedded system performance, stability, and power consumption for production-quality deliverables.

  • Design validation tools and diagnostic frameworks to support testing and chipset verification.

  • Provide technical direction on embedded architecture, performance tradeoffs, and platform scalability.

  • Author technical documentation, specifications, and design notes for internal development and vendor collaboration.

Required Skills and Qualifications

We are looking for professionals with:

  • Proven experience in embedded systems development, particularly with Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms (Snapdragon 8650 preferred).

  • Deep knowledge of bootloaders (U-Boot, LK), secure boot, and Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs).

  • Expertise in Board Support Package (BSP) design and development for embedded Linux or Android systems.

  • Strong debugging skills across firmware, hardware, and kernel-level components.

  • Familiarity with power management strategies and performance profiling on embedded hardware.

  • Understanding of mobile connectivity protocols including 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth at the chipset level.

  • Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics and datasheets.

  • Experience in working with custom hardware during early prototyping and bring-up stages.

  • A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred.

Why Join Us?

  • Work with industry-leading hardware on next-generation devices.

  • Join a highly skilled team focused on solving deep technical challenges.

  • Drive innovation in embedded systems at the platform level.

  • Competitive compensation, benefits, and career development support.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re excited to shape the future of Qualcomm-based embedded platforms, apply now or share your resume with us directly at Rishib@cohetech.com. We welcome passionate engineers ready to lead and innovate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the core focus of this role?
The core focus is to lead the bring-up and optimization of Qualcomm chipsets, primarily the Snapdragon 8650, including BSP development and system validation.

2. What experience is required with Qualcomm chipsets?
Direct experience with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, including BSP, bootloader, and kernel development, is essential.

3. Do I need experience with specific bootloaders?
Yes, hands-on experience with bootloaders like U-Boot or LK is highly preferred, especially in secure boot environments.

4. What type of systems will I be working on?
You will be working on embedded systems used in next-generation consumer or industrial devices, powered by Qualcomm SoCs.

5. Will I be involved in hardware-level debugging?
Absolutely. The role involves debugging at the hardware-software interface, especially during the early bring-up phase.

6. Is a Master’s degree mandatory?
A Master’s degree in EE or CS is preferred but candidates with strong practical experience may also be considered.

7. What kind of teams will I collaborate with?
You will work closely with hardware engineers, Qualcomm support teams, and internal software developers.

8. How important is power and performance optimization?
It is a major part of this role. You will be expected to optimize for low power usage and high reliability.

9. Will I be required to read hardware schematics?
Yes, the role demands familiarity with board schematics and datasheets to support debugging and bring-up.

10. What tools will I use for debugging?
Expect to use serial debuggers, JTAG, kernel logs, and diagnostic tools you may help develop yourself.

11. Will I work on Android or Linux?
You may work on both depending on the target product. Most Qualcomm platforms run a Linux or Android-based OS.

12. What are the main challenges in this role?
Early-stage bring-up on custom hardware, handling unknowns during integration, and ensuring platform stability.

13. Are remote or hybrid work options available?
This is a full-time onsite position in Redmond, WA due to the hands-on hardware nature of the job.

14. What is the hiring process like?
The process typically includes a technical screening, followed by in-depth system design and debugging interviews.

15. Is this a leadership role?
Yes, this is a principal-level position with responsibility for technical direction, mentoring, and architecture decisions.