Staff Software Engineer Linux Kernel & Virtualization

Between $135k and $202k Per Year DOE (Depends on Experience) Staff Software Engineer Linux Kernel & Virtualization Qualcomm Incorporated

Occupation:

Software Developers

Location:

San Diego, CA - 92121 Positions available: 1 Job #: 19840676

Source:

CalJOBS

Posted:

02/22/2026

Updated:

02/23/2026

Expires:

04/23/2026

Web Site:

CalJOBS Onsite /

Remote:

Work onsite all of the time

Job Type:

Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More), Permanent Employment, Day Shift Job Requirements and Properties Help for Job Requirements and Properties. Opens a new window. Work Onsite Full Time Education Bachelor's Degree Experience 48 Month(s) Schedule Full Time Job Type Regular Duration Permanent Employment Shift Day Shift Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window.

General Summary:

As a Staff Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and optimize secure virtualization solutions for next-generation SoCs across Mobile, Automotive, IoT, and XR/VR platforms. You will work on cutting-edge technologies such as KVM, Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), and secure hypervisors, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance, secure, and scalable solutions. Key Responsibilities Develop and enhance Linux Kernel features related to virtualization, including KVM and memory isolation. Implement and optimize secure execution environments for Android and embedded platforms. Work on ARM-based virtualization technologies, including hardware-assisted virtualization (ARM VHE, TrustZone). Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate KVM onto Qualcomm SoCs. Debug and resolve complex virtualization and kernel issues using tools like GDB, ftrace, and JTAG debuggers. Contribute to open-source projects (Linux Kernel, KVM) and Qualcomm's virtualization stack. Perform pre-silicon development on FPGA and QEMU-based platforms for virtualization features. Analyze system requirements and propose secure virtualization architectures. Create and maintain technical documentation for virtualization architecture and development processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. • 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 6+ years of experience in system software development. Proficiency in C/C++, and RUST with scripting skills in Python/Bash. Strong experience in Linux Kernel development, especially in KVM and memory management. Familiarity with virtualization technologies like virtio, VFIO, and IOMMU. Working knowledge on commercial VMMs like QEMU or crosVM. Solid understanding of ARMv8/ARMv9 architecture, including virtualization extensions. Experience with secure boot, Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), and confidential computing is advantageous. Prior contributions to open-source projects (Linux Kernel, KVM). Strong debugging skills and practical experience with ARM-based platforms. Hands-on experience with Android OS internals and AVF integration is a plus. 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

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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.