Data Center AI Hardware Technical Lead - Rack Scale Design

The Qualcomm Data Center AI System Hardware and Validation Engineering team develops rack-level AI inference solutions for next-generation, liquid-cooled data centers. As the organization continues to grow, the team is seeking experienced Technical Leads to help deliver the next wave of innovative AI products.

As a System Hardware and Validation Technical Lead, you will partner with SoC, software/firmware, rack-level system design, and manufacturing teams. Collaborating closely with peer leads, you will ensure program activities are well planned, tracked, and executed against phase-gate milestones from concept through production.

* Lead execution for next-generation Qualcomm rack-scale designs within a matrixed organization spanning multiple teams and global sites.

* Define and manage requirements, scope, schedules, and deliverables in alignment with engineering teams, partners, and stakeholders.

* Own rack-level integration plans across compute nodes/accelerators, PCIe fabrics, networking, storage, power delivery, cooling, and rack management/telemetry.

* Drive firmware/software/hardware co-design execution, aligning BIOS/BMC/Redfish/telemetry requirements with hardware schedules and validation gates.

* Lead cross-functional design reviews and readiness reviews (architecture, schematic/layout, SI/PI, thermal, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing), and close actions to schedule.

* Coordinate platform-level debug and instrumentation (telemetry, logging, health monitoring) to accelerate failure analysis and improve observability.

* Establish and run triage mechanisms (issue intake, prioritization, defect metrics) and drive issues to root cause, corrective action, and verified closure.

* Define and track program-level KPIs (schedule health, build quality, defect trends, coverage, yield, reliability) and publish executive dashboards and weekly program reviews.

* Identify program risks, drive mitigation plans, and manage scope changes while proactively communicating status and decisions to stakeholders.

* Master's degree in computer science/engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.

* 8+ years of experience in systems or hardware engineering, hardware project lifecycle management, and technical product/program management.

* Proven experience collaborating with technical teams to develop systems, solutions, and products.

* Experience managing technical programs across cross-functional teams, establishing processes, and coordinating release schedules, and working in large, matrixed organizations.

* Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, SharePoint, JIRA/Confluence, and other defect-tracking tools.

* Persuasive communication, organizational, coordination, multi-tasking, and documentation skills.

* Experience with server technologies, including board design, SIPI, thermal and mechanical aspects, BIOS, BMC, and networking.

* Experience working with CMs, OEMs, ODMs, and suppliers in product development.

* Strong cross-functional communication skills, with experience managing complex program lifecycles, building sustainable processes, and coordinating release schedules.

- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 6+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.

Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.

PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience.