Qualcomm · 7 hours ago
Staff Engineer, Hardware Application Engineering
Santa Clara, California, United States of America
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$143K/yr - $215K/yr
3+ years expQualcomm Atheros, Inc. is seeking a Staff Hardware Application Engineer to lead the customer-facing hardware enablement of their next-generation WLAN Gateway and Access Point platforms for North American customers. This role involves close collaboration with customers and internal teams to translate requirements into robust hardware designs and ensure successful product launches.
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Responsibilities
Act as the primary technical interface for customers during WLAN gateway / AP hardware bring‑up, validation, and commercialization
Translate customer requirements into hardware architecture guidance, feature recommendations, and reference design adaptations
Support customers through EVT/DVT/PVT phases to ensure on‑time product launch
Provide hands‑on guidance for WLAN AP design, including Wi‑Fi 6/6E/7 architectures, multi‑band/multi‑radio systems, and coexistence considerations
Lead and review RF tuning, including gain budgets, antenna matching, PA/LNA optimization, thermal impacts, and regulatory margin analysis
Support RF validation using spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, and Wi‑Fi test systems
Perform schematic and PCB layout reviews for WLAN gateways and APs, with focus on: High‑speed interfaces (PCIe, RGMII/SGMII, USB), Power integrity and sequencing, RF layout, isolation, grounding, and antenna routing
Identify design risks early and drive corrective actions with customers and ODMs
Support designs involving Ethernet PHYs, switches, GMAC/XGMAC, and multi‑port gateway architectures
Debug and resolve Ethernet bring‑up, link stability, and performance issues in customer designs
Deep understanding of Qualcomm SoC‑based gateway platforms, including hardware blocks, interconnects, and system dependencies
Collaborate with firmware, BSP, and systems teams to debug hardware/software interaction issues impacting WLAN or Ethernet performance
Work closely with RF, hardware systems, firmware, networking, and customer engineering teams to resolve complex customer issues
Drive alignment across internal teams to close customer gaps and accelerate enablement
Create and maintain hardware application notes, design guidelines, bring‑up checklists, and customer training material
Capture field learnings and feed them back into reference designs and future platform improvements
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Hardware Applications Engineering or Hardware Design experience or related work experience
OR Master's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field and 3+ years of Hardware Applications Engineering or Hardware Design experience or related work experience
OR PhD in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Applications Engineering or Hardware Design experience or related work experience
Preferred
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
5-8+ years of experience in hardware design, hardware applications engineering, or customer engineering
Strong hands‑on experience with WLAN AP / Gateway hardware design
RF circuits, antenna systems, and RF tuning
Schematic and PCB design reviews
Ethernet interfaces and networking subsystems
Proven experience working directly with customers or ODM/OEM partners in a product development environment
Deep expertise in Wi‑Fi standards (802.11ax / 802.11be) and WLAN system architecture
Experience with Qualcomm WLAN or networking SoC platforms
Strong knowledge of RF test equipment and hardware validation methodologies
Familiarity with regulatory requirements (FCC/ETSI) and pre‑compliance testing
Experience supporting products through high‑volume manufacturing
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex hardware topics to diverse audiences
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, customer‑driven environment and manage multiple engagements in parallel
Benefits
Competitive annual discretionary bonus program
Annual RSU grants
Highly competitive benefits package
Company
Qualcomm
Qualcomm designs wireless technologies and semiconductors that power connectivity, communication, and smart devices.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Qualcomm has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
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2020 (1181)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$3.5M1991-12-20IPO
1988-01-01Undisclosed· $3.5M
Leadership Team
Cristiano Amon
President & CEO
I
Isaac Eteminan
CEO
Recent News
2026-02-12
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