System Architect Principal Engineer

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Company:

Qualcomm China

## Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Engineering

General Summary:

Define and advance Packet Processing Engine (PPE) architectures for broader product use cases, including automotive and TSN, while optimizing performance, power, and cost. Partner with Hardware Design, Verification, Software, Product Management, and Product Planning to translate requirements into scalable solutions. Develop models, prototypes, simulations, and workload analyses to validate architectural choices. Lead innovation across packet classification and processing, queueing, scheduling, shaping, resource allocation, and time-sensitive networking.

• Operates independently and provides technical leadership across PPE architecture, design, verification, and validation.
• Mentors engineers and aligns cross-functional teams on feature correctness, performance, schedule, and delivery readiness.
• Communicates complex technical decisions clearly and influences stakeholders across product, software, and implementation teams.
• Defines near- and mid-term PPE technical plans, modeling methods, validation strategies, and roadmap priorities.
• Resolves ambiguous, highly complex problems and drives innovative ideas from architecture through implementation.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Define PPE performance, power, cost, and feature requirements, including automotive and TSN needs.
• Design complex forwarding-plane features and identify architectural improvements.
• Translate product and software objectives into implementable PPE designs.
• Track industry trends and apply relevant innovations to PPE solutions.
• Lead design, verification, validation, and review activities; identify systemic issues and drive resolution.
• Guide modeling, simulation, and KPI analysis to support architectural decisions.
• Support verification coverage, model-to-design alignment, software enablement, and feature bring-up.
• Serve as a PPE subject-matter expert and produce clear specifications and technical documentation.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: (All competencies below are required upon entry)

• Analytical thinking: Integrate data from multiple sources, identify patterns, and draw sound conclusions.
• Collaboration and trust: Build effective relationships, honor commitments, and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Communication: Present technical and non-technical information clearly to varied audiences.
• Innovation: Generate practical new ideas and build support to turn them into solutions.
• Decision-making: Evaluate alternatives quickly and account for business and technical impact.
• Execution: Plan, prioritize, manage multiple workstreams, and overcome obstacles.
• Mentoring: Coach others and support their technical and professional development.
• Technical expertise: Apply strong systems and technology knowledge to PPE architecture.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in networking datapath, packet processing, ASIC architecture, or related work.
• Proven ability to translate product and software requirements into PPE architectures and support Design, Verification, Validation, and Software teams.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's or Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 15+ years of networking architecture or design experience.
• Strong independent execution and professional English and Chinese communication skills.
• 3+ years working with senior executives and 4+ years leading technical teams with direct reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.

OR

Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.

OR

PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.

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