Linux Program Manager

Company:

Qualcomm India Private Limited

Job Area:

Engineering Services Group, Engineering Services Group > Program Management

General Summary:

The Linux Program Manager will own the end‑to‑end program execution for Qualcomm Linux platform activities, with a focus on upstreaming, open‑sourcing, kernel/mainline alignment, distro enablement, and branch lifecycle management. The role requires strong cross‑functional leadership, deep familiarity with Linux development models, and the ability to drive multi‑team execution across kernel, Yocto, Debian/Ubuntu, user‑space frameworks, CI, and product teams.

Key Responsibilities

Upstreaming Program Management -

Mainline & Branch Lifecycle Management

Open‑Source Compliance & Release Coordination

Linux Distribution Enablement & Ecosystem Alignment

Coordinate Yocto, Debian, Ubuntu, and other distro enablement workstreams (graphics, multimedia, AI/ML, connectivity, robotics, etc.).

Cross‑Functional Program Leadership

Manage execution across kernel, multimedia, Android, and other participating orgs.

Own program schedules, risk tracking, dependency management, reviews, and executive reporting.

Ensure teams follow developer‑first, Linux‑first best practices, including frequent mainline/Yocto upgrades.

Quality, Testing & Automation Oversight

Ensure pre‑merge testing, LBT automation, and continuous validation across mainline and LTS branches.

Track quality issues across feature requests and ensure cross‑team closure.

Qualifications & Experience

10-15+ years of experience in Linux/Kernel/Yocto/OSS ecosystems, with program or technical leadership roles.

Strong technical understanding of:

Upstream Linux development model (maintainers, reviewers, linux‑next, stable trees).

Kernel branching policies, mainline alignment, LTS workflows.

Yocto/OpenEmbedded, Debian/Ubuntu, and other Linux distros.

Open‑source contribution processes, submitting patches, Gerrit/Git workflows.

Experience working across large cross‑functional engineering organizations.

Excellent communication, risk management, and stakeholder management skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

2+ years of Program Management or related work experience.

Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.

To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .