Virtual Platform, Principal Manager

Company: Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Job Area: Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering Location: This role is open to candidates based in these locations. Relocation will be required for candidates who are not currently located in Santa Clara, San Diego, or Austin. General Summary As Principal Manager in Virtual Platform Engineering, you will lead the strategy, architecture, and development of advanced virtual platforms—including SystemC TLM and QEMU—used to enable early software development, system validation, and architectural exploration for complex SoC programs. You will define technical direction, guide engineers across multiple teams, and drive execution for high-impact deliverables that influence product, architecture, and software readiness. Key Responsibilities Own the end-to-end strategy for virtual modeling of complex SoC architectures, including SystemC TLM, QEMU, and hybrid simulation flows. Architect, design, and guide the development of high‑fidelity SystemC TLM models that represent processors, interconnects, peripherals, and custom IP blocks. Establish modeling methodologies, coding standards, performance guidelines, and best practices for virtual platform development. Evaluate new technologies and modeling techniques; drive adoption of modern C++ features, tooling, and simulation frameworks. Lead design reviews, modeling roadmaps, and technical execution across multiple SoC programs to ensure model completeness, performance, and delivery to schedule. Oversee integration of models into SystemC-based simulators and broader software/firmware development pipelines. Lead triage, debugging, and resolution of complex system‑level modeling issues across hardware, firmware, and software boundaries. Ensure rigorous validation through code reviews, unit testing, regression infrastructure, and continuous integration workflows. Collaborate with senior hardware architects, design teams, firmware leaders, and software stakeholders to define modeling requirements and ensure alignment with program goals. Represent the virtual platform function in cross‑organizational planning, architecture discussions, and silicon program milestones. Drive cross‑team initiatives that improve model accuracy, usability, and overall simulation ecosystem maturity. Provide technical direction, mentorship, and performance guidance to engineers developing SystemC TLM and QEMU models. Build and scale modeling capabilities by coaching team members, establishing best practices, and fostering a high-performance engineering culture. Partner with senior leadership on hiring, talent development, and long-term organizational planning for the virtual platform team. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. 4+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc. Preferred Qualifications 12+ years of experience in Software, Firmware, or Systems Engineering; including 7+ years building Virtual Platforms, SystemC TLM models, or simulators. 3+ years of proven experience leading teams or projects with high technical complexity and cross-functional impact. Hands‑on expertise with: SystemC TLM 2.0 and/or QEMU internals Modern C++ (C++14/17/20) ARM Architecture (CPU, GIC, CoreSight, debug infrastructure) Firmware, boot code, or low-level driver development Git and modern CI/CD frameworks ARM Fast Models or equivalent modeling frameworks Server architecture including RAS, manageability, and platform firmware Level of Responsibility Operates independently, exercising expert-level judgment and technical decision-making. Provides supervision, mentoring, and strategic technical guidance to other engineers. Makes decisions with significant impact on product architecture, program schedules, and cross‑organizational strategy. Communicates complex concepts clearly to executives, architects, and cross‑functional leaders; able to influence without authority. Works on problems requiring multi‑step, multi‑team coordination, long‑range planning, and deep system‑level problem‑solving. Virtual Platforms & Simulation Virtual Platform Engineering SystemC SystemC TLM / TLM‑2.0 QEMU Hybrid Simulation Flows High‑fidelity Virtual Models Pre‑silicon Software Enablement System‑level Modeling & Simulation SoC & Hardware Architecture SoC Architecture Processor / CPU Modeling Interconnect Modeling Peripheral Modeling Custom IP Block Modeling Large‑scale SoC Programs Programming & Modeling Languages C++ Modern C++ (C++14 / C++17 / C++20) Object‑oriented Design Performance‑optimized Modeling Code EEO Statement 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‑View email address on click.appcast.io 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). 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. Compensation & Benefits Pay range: $218,200.00 - $327,400.00. 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. Contact If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers. #J-18808-Ljbffr Qualcomm