Tools and Automation Engineer – Qualcomm Custom CPU Post-Silicon Team
Qualcomm · Austin, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $153,000 / year
- Austin, TX
Job highlights
- Design automation frameworks for CPU validation.
- Develop software tools for lab management.
- Build data infrastructure for test results.
- Integrate CI/CD for rapid tool delivery.
- Automate lab equipment for precise measurements.
About the role
Tools and Automation Engineer – Qualcomm Custom CPU Post-Silicon Team
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Tools and Automation Engineer to join its Custom CPU Post-Silicon team. This role is critical for accelerating the functional validation, power and performance analysis, silicon characterization, and workload profiling of next-generation CPU platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement scalable automation solutions for functional validation, power/performance analysis, and silicon characterization, including advanced measurements like Vmin/Fmax analysis.
- Build and maintain robust software tools for lab management, workload orchestration, and silicon debug support.
- Develop systems for data acquisition, storage, and visualization of large-scale silicon test results (power, thermal, performance metrics).
- Create and optimize CI/CD pipelines for validation tools and automation scripts.
- Automate workflows involving advanced lab instruments such as Kratos, DAQ systems, Monsoon Power Meter, oscilloscopes, and thermal chambers.
- Ensure tools and frameworks are efficient, reliable, and scalable for high-volume workloads.
- Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and validation teams to define requirements and integrate solutions.
- Maintain clear technical documentation, enforce coding standards, and establish best practices.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years in software development and automation for hardware validation or similar environments.
- Strong programming skills in Python (primary), with experience in C/C++ for performance-critical components.
- Proficiency in Linux environments, shell scripting, and automation frameworks.
- Hands-on experience with lab instruments and protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, Ethernet, BMC, IPMI, Redfish).
- Familiarity with web technologies for dashboards (React, Angular, or similar).
- Experience with CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
- Knowledge of SQL/NoSQL databases and data visualization tools.
Nice to Have
- Exposure to CPU architecture concepts, workload characterization, and performance analysis.
- Experience with instrument control frameworks and distributed automation systems.
- Knowledge of open-source tools for validation and benchmarking.
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Knowledge of machine learning pipelines for predictive analysis.
- Familiarity with hardware-software integration and post-silicon workflows.
Why Join Qualcomm?
Join a team driving innovation in custom CPU design and validation. You will build tools that accelerate silicon bring-up and performance optimization, work on cutting-edge technology, collaborate with world-class engineers, and make a direct impact on next-generation computing platforms.
Key Skills/Competency
- Automation Frameworks
- Software Development
- Hardware Validation
- Python
- C/C++
- Linux
- CI/CD
- Lab Equipment Integration
- Data Infrastructure
- CPU Architecture
Skills & topics
- Tools Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- CPU Engineering
- Post-Silicon Validation
- Python
- C++
- Linux
- CI/CD
- Hardware Validation
- Software Development
- Qualcomm
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight Python, C/C++, Linux, CI/CD, and lab instrument experience.
- Showcase automation impact: Quantify achievements in streamlining validation or data analysis.
- Prepare for technical deep dives: Be ready to discuss Python scripting and Linux environments.
- Demonstrate collaboration: Provide examples of working with hardware and firmware teams.
- Research Qualcomm's innovation: Understand their role in custom CPU development.
Technical preparation
Master Python for automation and scripting.,Practice C/C++ for performance critical code.,Become proficient in Linux and shell scripting.,Familiarize with lab instruments and protocols.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex automation challenge.,How do you ensure tool reliability?,Share experience collaborating with teams.,How do you document your work?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary programming language for the Tools and Automation Engineer role at Qualcomm?
- The primary programming language for this Tools and Automation Engineer role at Qualcomm is Python. However, experience with C/C++ for performance-critical components is also highly valued.
- What kind of lab equipment will I be automating as a Tools and Automation Engineer at Qualcomm?
- As a Tools and Automation Engineer at Qualcomm, you will automate advanced lab instruments such as Kratos, DAQ systems, Monsoon Power Meter, oscilloscopes, thermal chambers, and thermal controllers.
- What operating system environments are important for this Qualcomm role?
- Proficiency in Linux environments and shell scripting is crucial for this Tools and Automation Engineer position at Qualcomm, as it supports automation frameworks and tool development.
- Does Qualcomm encourage the use of open-source tools for validation engineers?
- While not explicitly required, knowledge of open-source tools for validation and benchmarking is listed as a 'nice to have' skill, suggesting Qualcomm values contributions and familiarity with the open-source ecosystem for this role.
- What is the expected experience level for the Tools and Automation Engineer position at Qualcomm?
- Qualcomm typically looks for candidates with 5+ years of experience in software development and automation for hardware validation or similar environments for this Tools and Automation Engineer role.
- What are the benefits of joining the Qualcomm Custom CPU Post-Silicon team?
- Joining the Qualcomm Custom CPU Post-Silicon team offers the chance to drive innovation in custom CPU design, build tools that accelerate silicon bring-up, work on cutting-edge technology, and collaborate with world-class engineers.
- How does Qualcomm support employees with disabilities applying for the Tools and Automation Engineer job?
- Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible hiring process. Individuals with disabilities can request accommodations by e-mailing disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or calling Qualcomm's toll-free number. This is specifically for accommodation requests, not application status updates.