Staff Camera Firmware Engineer

Technology, Data & Digital · Software & Web Development · Software Engineering · Embedded Systems

In short

Staff Camera Firmware Engineer at Qualcomm in San Diego, CA, responsible for designing and developing advanced imaging features and camera software systems for Qualcomm IoT devices. This role involves architecting drivers, optimizing camera systems for performance and power, and implementing image-processing techniques using various hardware accelerators.

Responsibilities

Design and develop new image-processing features for next-generation camera systems.
Architect and implement drivers for advanced imaging hardware (ISP).
Contribute to the design of camera systems optimized for power, memory, and silicon area while maximizing imaging performance.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy robust, production-ready imaging software.
Design and implement advanced image-analysis and image-processing techniques using ARM, DSP, GPU, and ML accelerators.
Prototype and validate solutions on Qualcomm IoT Dragonwing platforms.
Develop embedded software for IoT devices, focusing on low-level system components and camera subsystem enablement.
Contribute to the design, development, debug, implementation, and verification of camera software including ISP, 3A algorithms, image quality systems, and tuning tools.
Lead and deliver large IoT camera projects across Linux Embedded and Android platforms.
Ensure image quality, conformance, performance, and power requirements are met for commercial readiness.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust camera software solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.

Desired Qualifications

7+ years of experience architecting complex embedded systems or SoC-level software.
Strong background in hardware/software interface design and system architecture.
Proven ability to lead full software lifecycle: concept → development → commercialization.
Experience collaborating across globally distributed engineering and business teams.
Expertise in areas such as SoC architecture, ARM architecture, Linux kernel, and device drivers.
Demonstrated leadership in mentoring senior engineers and leading system bring-up/debug efforts.
Strong knowledge of Linux kernel internals, device-driver models, and camera sensor driver bring-up.
Experience with Camera HAL development, 3A algorithms, tuning tools, and familiarity with MIPI, GMSL, I2C, GPIO interfaces.
Advanced proficiency in C and C++ programming and debugging.
Deep understanding of Image Signal Processing (ISP) concepts.
Experience with Android camera frameworks and Linux V4L2 frameworks.
Background in multimedia software development for Linux-based embedded systems.
Experience with OpenCL or OpenGL for algorithm development is a plus.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical topics.
Familiarity with Qualcomm CamX architecture is an added advantage.

Benefits

Competitive annual discretionary bonus program.
Opportunity for annual RSU grants.
Highly competitive benefits package designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play.
Reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process.
Accessible workplace for individuals with disabilities.