Machine Learning R&D
Qualcomm· Semiconductors· Sep 17, 2026 · 1mo ago
San Diego, California, United States of America
In office
Full-time
Mid
$125K–$170K est.
2+ years exp
Job description
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Engineering
General Summary:
About the Team: Qualcomm’s Applied ML R&D for HW Design team develops ML/AI or algorithmic based design tools which improve the overall chip design process and quality through NRE and/or AuC reduction or performance improvement. We are an interdisciplinary team with backgrounds in Computer Science, ML/AI, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Neuroscience, Economics, and VLSI Design, united by our passion to solve challenging problems. We work cross-functionally over the entire chip design process and are motivated by the chance to pursue technical innovations which provide real value to the Qualcomm product line. The ultimate goal for our research is to be productized and packaged into a design tool used in the Qualcomm chip design execution process.
About the Role: We are seeking a candidate who can provide technical execution and leadership in Machine Learning/AI R&D including Generative AI and its applications in chip design. The candidate should be passionate about seeing their research realized in end-to-end products used to design Qualcomm chips. The candidate will serve as a technical contributor and lead to an interdisciplinary team of ML researchers, ML SW engineers, and HW designers. The candidate will provide leadership by coaching others to complete tasks as well as contribute to the technical delivery of the overall project. The ideal candidate should have experience in leading and developing Generative AI projects both from R&D and product development aspects. This should include technical hands-on experience with embedding models, LLM and agentic AI post-training optimization. In addition, the candidate should have experience in complex ML SW project development processes and pipelines.
Key Responsibilities:
• Executes on the design and delivery of Agentic AI for HW design.
• Identifies and enables the pursuit of measurably impactful technical ideas and research directions for GenAI applications in HW design.
• Collaborates with and coaches others to complete tasks and achieve goals.
• Aligns individual growth with project and department goals.
• Manages ambiguity across situations while ensuring deadlines are met.
• Engages with cross-functional teams to identify and deliver solutions for technical gaps and opportunities.
• Contributes to the team’s innovation engine from idea to execution.
• Develops effective working relationships with cross-functional and/or external stakeholders.
• Communicates effectively with partner teams, providing timely updates on project status and expectations.
• Stays current on AI, systems, and hardware-software advances relevant to the field of AI for chip design.
• Exemplifies and encourages respect, dignity, and fairness; contributes to a positive culture.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of industry experience in Machine Learning/GenAI and MLOps.
• Industry experience in ML/AI product development and deployment.
• Deep knowledge of foundational model architectures and industry experience in foundation model development.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Hands-on industry expertise in Agentic AI tools, frameworks, and best practices (e.g. Codex, Claude Code, OpenCode, Langchain, Langchain, Agno).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple highly complex projects while meeting quality expectations and adhering to the company’s standards of ethical behavior.
• Ability to encourage continuous improvement and alternative viewpoints to challenge ingrained practices.
• Ability to set clear expectations.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback to encourage skills growth
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 1+ year of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
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).
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.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
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.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits :
$140,800.00 - $211,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link .
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .
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