Senior Staff Engineer - Technical Standards – Wired Data Center - Qualcomm - remote, Germany

Overview

Qualcomm Germany GmbH is seeking a senior Technical Standards contributor and participant to work with internal and external partners to improve and evolve industry technical standards. The role represents Qualcomm as a delegate in standardization forums and industry organizations. Responsibilities include understanding data center industry landscapes, identifying existing and emerging standards for Qualcomm to focus on, guiding internal product requirements and specifications for conformance with standards, and collaborating with attorneys to file patents that protect novel IP.The primary focus for this role is wired connectivity infrastructure involving high‑speed optical and electrical SerDes standards for core data center infrastructure, including implications across photonics, packaging, materials science, and system architecture.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal partners to identify and shape standards for Qualcomm product and IP roadmap objectives.
• Represent Qualcomm as a delegate in standardization forums and industry organizations.
• Review and guide internal product requirements and specifications for conformance with applicable standards.
• Work with attorneys to file patents protecting novel IP related to standardization efforts.
• Engage with stakeholders across data center silicon, optics, connectors, cables, modules, switches, NICs, and hyperscalers to build credibility and influence in the ecosystem.
• Assess competitive technology directions, identify standards gaps, and translate requirements from hyperscalers, AI accelerators, switch silicon, and optical modules into practical SerDes, PHY, controller, and standards engagement priorities.
• Check posted technical material for accuracy and prepare internal technical material and analyses.
• Explore leadership opportunities such as a potential future “800G Interest Group” to promote Qualcomm credibility and thought leadership in Data Center connectivity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in system design, validation, or related engineering roles
• 2+ years of experience participating in technical standards bodies or industry organizations
• Demonstrated ability to influence across teams and organizations
• Effective communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in optical, SerDes and system design, modeling, validation, or test
• 4+ years of active participation in standards organizations (e.g., IEEE, OCP, PCI-SIG or similar)
• 5+ years of work experience in a role requiring interaction with senior leadership
• 5+ years in a technical leadership role
• Deep understanding of data center ecosystems, including enterprise, HPC, and hyperscale environments
• Authored or co-authored contributions in IEEE, OCP or similar
• Has implemented or influenced deployable OCP-compliant platforms
• Experience designing and developing SerDes across full lifecycle (architecture, design, implementation, verification, validation, through manufacturing and silicon qualification)
• Knowledge of global data center market dynamics and competitive landscape
• Background in technical leadership roles with demonstrated impact
• Familiarity with Qualcomm technologies and semiconductor platforms (preferred)
• Established network within industry, standards bodies, or academia (preferred)
• Excellent written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• Willingness to travel as required

Education Requirements

• Required: Master0s degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
• Preferred: Doctorate in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field

Additional Information

• Minimum Qualifications (explicit conversion for multiple paths):
• Bachelor0s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years Software/Hardware/Systems Engineering experience, or
• Master0s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years Software/Hardware/Systems Engineering experience, or
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years Software/Hardware/Systems Engineering experience.

*Global travel several times per year for standards organization forums.

References to a particular number of years experience are for indicative purposes only. Applications from candidates with equivalent experience will be considered, provided that the candidate can demonstrate the ability to fulfill the principal duties of the role and possess the required competencies.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations upon request to support participation in the hiring process. Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including security and protection of confidential information.

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