System Engineer, Application Engineering Principal in Ottawa

Company: Qualcomm Canada ULC

Job Area: Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Engineering

General Summary: As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all. As a Qualcomm Systems Engineer, you will research, design, develop, simulate, and/or validate systems-level software, hardware, architecture, algorithms, and solutions that enables the development of cutting-edge technology. Qualcomm Systems Engineers collaborate across functional teams to meet and exceed system-level requirements and standards.

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.

About the Role: We are seeking a highly motivated Principal System Engineer to join our Application Engineering team and drive the successful deployment of next-generation Optical DSP and Active Electrical Cable (AEC) solutions for AI and cloud infrastructure. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in communication theory, high-speed link modeling, DSP algorithms, IEEE Ethernet standards, and correlation between simulations and laboratory measurements.

What You'll Do:

• System-Level Architecture, Modeling & Simulation: Lead system-level modeling and simulation of high-speed PAM4 communication links across optical and electrical channels. Develop end-to-end link performance models including:
• DSP transmitter and receiver architectures
• Optical transmitters and receivers
• Laser and photonic components
• Electrical channels
• Connectors and cable assemblies
• Evaluate next-generation Ethernet connectivity technologies for AI and cloud infrastructure applications.
• Generate and maintain IBIS-AMI and related customer-facing models for product evaluation and system design activities.
• Support customer simulations involving PCB channels, cables, connectors, packages, and optical links.
• Collaborate with silicon, package, and system design teams to improve model accuracy and usability.

IEEE Compliance & Industry Standards: Serve as a subject matter expert for IEEE 802.3 Ethernet specifications and compliance methodologies. Develop simulation and measurement methodologies aligned with IEEE standards. Support product compliance activities for:

• CEI interfaces
• 100G/lane PAM4
• 200G/lane PAM4
• Future 400G/lane technologies

What You'll Need:

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in high-speed communications, optical networking, DSP, SerDes, or related technologies.
• Deep expertise in system-level modeling and simulation of high-speed communication systems.
• Strong understanding of optical communication systems and Ethernet interconnect technologies.
• Expert knowledge of linear and nonlinear communication system theory.
• Expert knowledge of PAM4 signaling and DSP-based communication systems.
• Extensive experience developing models for electrical and optical components.
• Strong understanding of IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards and compliance methodologies.
• Advanced MATLAB and/or Python programming skills for algorithm development, simulation, and automation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with laboratory correlation of simulation and hardware measurements.
• Knowledge of optical transceiver architectures and components.
• Familiarity with IEEE COM (Channel Operating Margin) methodology and simulation flows.
• Experience supporting hyperscale cloud and AI infrastructure customers.

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.