Senior Lead Engineer - Linux Software APSS Image Integration

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Company:
Qualcomm India Private Limited
## Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
The Linux Software APSS image integration lead is responsible for end-to-end technical execution and delivery of Linux-based software platforms, working across kernel, BSP, middleware, and system integration layers. This role acts as the technical integrator and execution owner, driving cross-functional alignment between silicon, software, validation, and product teams to deliver high-quality, scalable Linux solutions aligned with upstream and open-source best practices.
Relevant experience – 8 to 10 years.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Program Execution
* Own technical planning, execution, and delivery of Linux software milestones across platform bring-up, stabilization, and releases.
* Drive BSP and platform enablement for SoCs, including bootloader, kernel, device tree, drivers, and root filesystem.
* Ensure alignment with mainline kernel, upstream-first, and open development models where applicable.
Cross-Functional Leadership
* Act as the single technical point of ownership connecting kernel, Yocto/build, middleware (RDKB, OWRT, PRPL), validation, security, and customer teams.
* Coordinate with SoC, firmware, hardware, and power/performance teams to resolve platform-level issues.
* Drive execution across geographically distributed teams and stakeholders.
Architecture & Technical Oversight
* Provide technical guidance on:
* Linux kernel (drivers, power management, security, virtualization)
* Device Tree / overlays
* Yocto Project / build systems
* Platform boot flows (UEFI, U-Boot, fastboot)
* Review architecture decisions for scalability, reuse, and upstream compatibility.
Quality & Release Management
* Define and track feature readiness, risks, and quality metrics across releases.
* Drive root cause analysis and resolution of system-level issues (boot, stability, performance, CVEs).
* Ensure timely delivery of release artifacts, documentation, and hand-offs.
Open Source & Upstream Engagement
* Promote and enforce upstream-first and open-source compliance practices.
* Review patches for upstream quality, licensing, and maintainability.
* Engage with open-source communities as required.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
* Support internal and external customers with technical reviews, issue triage, and roadmap alignment.
* Translate customer and product requirements into clear technical execution plans.
* Present status, risks, and technical trade-offs to leadership and stakeholders.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills
* Strong expertise in Linux kernel internals (drivers, power, memory, scheduling, security).
* Hands-on experience with embedded Linux BSP development.
* Strong working knowledge of:
* Yocto/OWRT Project / BitBake
* Device Tree (DTS/DTB, overlays)
* Bootloaders (UEFI, U-Boot)
* Debugging tools (ftrace, perf, gdb, crash, JTAG)
* Experience with ARM-based SoCs and hardware bring-up.
Project & Execution Skills
* Proven ability to drive complex, multi-team technical programs.
* Strong execution mindset with experience managing dependencies, risks, and milestones.
* Ability to balance engineering depth with delivery deadlines.
Soft Skills
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Comfort working with senior engineers, architects, and executive stakeholders.
* Ability to influence without authority and resolve conflicts pragmatically.
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with mainline Linux development or upstream contributions.
* Exposure to virtualization (KVM, Xen, Gunyah) or containers.
* Experience with security hardening, CVE management, and compliance.
* Prior experience as a Tech Lead, System Lead, or Project Engineer for platform software.
Success Metrics
* On-time delivery of Linux platform milestones and releases.
* Platform stability, quality, and upstream alignment.
* Reduction in integration issues and late-cycle surprises.
* Strong cross-team trust and execution predictability.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of academic or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
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Work arrangement
onsite