Program Manager - Compute (Linux & ChromeOS Platforms)

Company Qualcomm India Private Limited

Job Area Engineering Services Group, Engineering Services Group > Program Management

General Summary The Program Manager – Compute is responsible for end‑to‑end program execution of Compute platform software , spanning Linux, Android, ChromeOS, and multiple Linux distributions . This role owns execution across upstream Linux, kernel and platform alignment, distribution enablement, and multi‑OS integration , ensuring scalable, Linux‑first delivery for Compute products.

The role requires strong cross‑functional leadership , deep understanding of Linux and Android platform development models , and the ability to drive execution across kernel, distro enablement, Android/Chrome teams, user‑space frameworks, CI, and product engineering . The Program Manager serves as the single point of orchestration for Compute OS readiness across client, edge, and long‑lifecycle platforms.

Key Responsibilities Compute Platform Program Ownership

• Own end‑to‑end program management for Compute software platforms across Linux, Android, ChromeOS, and downstream Linux distributions.
• Drive execution across client, edge, and compute products, balancing upstream alignment with product delivery needs.
• Act as the central program interface between Compute hardware, OS/platform teams, and product stakeholders.

Linux, Android & ChromeOS Platform Alignment

• Coordinate platform dependencies and schedules across Linux mainline/LTS, Android common kernels, and ChromeOS requirements.
• Drive consistency and reuse across Compute Linux, Android, and ChromeOS platforms, minimizing fragmentation.
• Ensure clean separation of upstream, shared, and product‑specific components.

Upstreaming & Open‑Source Program Management

• Own the upstreaming strategy and execution for Compute platform features across kernel and core system components.
• Drive Linux‑first, upstream‑first development models, ensuring contributions land in mainline wherever possible.
• Coordinate contributions across linux‑next, stable/LTS trees, Android common kernels, and public repositories.
• Ensure alignment between AOSP, ChromeOS, and upstream Linux workflows.

Mainline, LTS & Branch Lifecycle Management

• Define and manage kernel and platform branch strategies across Compute Linux, Android, and ChromeOS.
• Drive mainline alignment, LTS upgrades, and long‑term support planning for Compute platforms.
• Manage downstream branch health, deprecation strategies, and convergence back to upstream.
• Ensure disciplined branching, tagging, and release practices across all OS variants.

Linux Distribution Enablement & Ecosystem Alignment

• Lead Linux distribution enablement for Compute platforms across Yocto/OpenEmbedded, Debian, Ubuntu, and other strategic distros.
• Coordinate enablement across graphics, multimedia, AI/ML, virtualization, networking, security, and developer tooling.
• Ensure Compute platforms meet ecosystem, ISV, and OEM expectations across Linux distributions.
• Align distro strategies with Android and ChromeOS platform requirements where applicable.

Quality, Testing & Automation Oversight

• Ensure pre‑merge testing, CI/CD automation, and continuous validation across mainline, LTS, Android, ChromeOS, and distro branches.
• Drive adoption of platform‑level automation, KernelCI, and continuous integration frameworks.
• Track cross‑platform quality issues and ensure closure across kernel, user‑space, and OS integrations.
• Ensure Compute platform readiness for commercial, developer, and long‑term support releases.

Execution, Risk & Stakeholder Management

• Own program schedules, milestones, dependency tracking, risk management, and executive reporting.
• Drive regular cross‑functional execution reviews with engineering, product, and leadership teams.
• Identify and proactively mitigate cross‑OS, cross‑platform, and long‑lifecycle risks.
• Champion developer‑first, Linux‑first best practices across Compute platform teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10–15+ years of experience in Linux, Kernel, Android, ChromeOS, or Open‑Source ecosystems, with senior program or technical leadership roles.
• Strong technical understanding of:

• Upstream Linux development model (maintainers, linux‑next, stable/LTS).
• Kernel branching, mainline alignment, and long‑term support strategies.
• Compute Linux platforms and long‑lifecycle products.
• Android and ChromeOS kernel/platform integration models.
• Yocto/OpenEmbedded, Debian, Ubuntu, and other Linux distributions.
• Open‑source contribution workflows (Git, Gerrit, GitHub).

• Proven experience driving execution across large, cross‑functional engineering organizations.
• Excellent communication, risk management, and executive stakeholder management skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of Program Management or related work experience.

Applicants : 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. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).

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.