Full Time
Redmond, WA
Posted 12 months ago
Applications have closed

Cohesive Technologies

Principal Embedded Software Engineer job in Redmond WA – Qualcomm chipset and BSP development

Join as a Principal Embedded Software Engineer

We are seeking a Principal Embedded Software Engineer to play a key role in the bring-up and optimization of Qualcomm chipsets for advanced devices. This position is based in Redmond, WA and offers an exciting opportunity to contribute at the intersection of hardware and embedded software. If you thrive in solving low-level challenges and enjoy working closely with cutting-edge platforms, this role is for you.

About the Principal Embedded Software Engineer Role

As a Principal Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the initial bring-up of Qualcomm chipsets, developing and optimizing the Board Support Package (BSP), and ensuring that embedded systems run efficiently. You will collaborate with Qualcomm engineers, hardware design teams, and internal software developers to deliver robust and high-performing solutions.

This role requires strong technical expertise in bootloaders, device drivers, kernel modifications, and system-level debugging, as well as a proven background in optimizing performance and power usage.

Key Responsibilities for Principal Embedded Software Engineer Role

Lead the bring-up of new Qualcomm chipsets on custom hardware from initial power-on through full system functionality.
Drive Board Support Package (BSP) development including bootloaders, kernel modifications, and device drivers.
Debug and resolve complex low-level issues across hardware, firmware, and software layers.
Collaborate with Qualcomm silicon vendors, hardware teams, and software engineers to address integration challenges.
Optimize system performance, stability, and power management for Qualcomm-based platforms.
Design, implement, and maintain diagnostic and validation tools for chipset and BSP testing.
Contribute to system architecture discussions and provide technical leadership.
Prepare detailed technical documentation, specifications, and troubleshooting guidelines.

Required Qualifications

Hands-on experience with Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms (8650, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or 8 Gen 3 series).
Expertise in bootloaders (U-Boot, LK), kernel-level development, and device drivers.
Strong debugging skills for low-level hardware and software integration.
Knowledge of secure boot, trusted execution environments (TEEs), and chipset security mechanisms.
Understanding of hardware schematics and datasheets.
Proven ability to manage power optimization and performance tuning.
Familiarity with 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth at the chipset integration level.
Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Skills

Experience in embedded Linux environments and real-time operating systems.
Prior exposure to mobile or IoT device bring-up projects.
Familiarity with modern validation frameworks and lab automation.
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Why Join

This role offers the opportunity to work directly with cutting-edge Qualcomm platforms, take ownership of low-level software challenges, and drive embedded systems innovation. You will be part of a team that pushes the limits of performance and stability, shaping products that reach global users.

Ready to Apply?

If this role matches your expertise, we invite you to apply today.
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FAQs

Q1: What does a Principal Embedded Software Engineer do in this role?
You will lead Qualcomm chipset bring-up, BSP development, and embedded optimization.

Q2: Which chipsets are used in this position?
This role focuses on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8650 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or 3 platforms.

Q3: Do I need direct Qualcomm experience?
Yes, hands-on Qualcomm platform experience is a must for this position.

Q4: What kind of software will I work on?
You will work on bootloaders, kernel drivers, and Board Support Package development.

Q5: Is this role more hardware or software focused?
It blends both but primarily emphasizes embedded software running on custom hardware.

Q6: Will I work with hardware teams?
Yes, collaboration with hardware engineers and silicon vendors is a core part of this role.

Q7: What debugging skills are required?
You need to debug across hardware, firmware, and software layers, including low-level power issues.

Q8: Is power optimization experience necessary?
Yes, optimizing performance and power consumption for embedded systems is a requirement.

Q9: What level of education is expected?
A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Q10: What communication technologies should I know?
Experience with 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth integration at the chipset level is valuable.

Q11: Does this role involve security features?
Yes, knowledge of secure boot and trusted execution environments (TEEs) is important.

Q12: What kind of leadership is expected?
You will guide architectural decisions and mentor junior engineers on embedded practices.

Q13: Is this a full-time onsite position?
Yes, the role is full-time and based in Redmond, WA.

Q14: How can I apply for this role?
You can apply directly on our website and explore more roles at Check out other positions.

Q15: Can I discuss this role before applying?
Yes, feel free to connect with our career expert at Let’s discuss your next career move.