Staff Engineer - Perception System Validation (XR Technologies)

Job description

**General Summary:** At Qualcomm XR Research, we develop state-of-the-art XR technologies that enable exceptional AR/VR/MR user experiences. We are looking for a Staff Engineer to own and drive validation of perception systems for XR (AR/VR/MR) technologies. This role focuses on validating SLAM and other perception algorithms, defining meaningful KPIs, building scalable test automation, and performing deep failure analysis. The role requires strong mathematical fundamentals, hands-on Python expertise, and the ability to communicate technical issues clearly to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. Key Responsibilities - Perception Algorithm Validation - Validate SLAM (visual / visual-inertial / multi-sensor) and other algorithms across XR use cases. - Design scenario-driven validation strategies covering accuracy, robustness, stability, and failure modes. - Evaluate performance across sensors, calibrations, environments, and system configurations. - Define and evolve perception KPIs (pose accuracy, drift, stability/jitter, robustness, reconstruction quality). - Perform mathematical and statistical analysis of logs, trajectories, and 3D outputs. - Identify and implement automation opportunities to improve test coverage, repeatability, and efficiency. - Perform preliminary root-cause analysis of perception failures and regressions. - Support algorithm and system teams with actionable debugging insights. Required Skills Qualifications - Strong foundation in mathematics (linear algebra, geometry, probability, optimization). - Strong proficiency in Python for automation, analysis, and tooling. - Solid understanding of SLAM algorithms and perception pipelines. - Strong knowledge of sensor calibration (camera, IMU, multi-sensor systems). - Experience with large log analysis, offline processing, and metrics generation. - Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly. - Proven ability to work across teams and support stakeholder debugging needs. Preferred - 9+ years of relevant industry experience in perception systems, computer vision, robotics, or XR technologies. - M.Tech / MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field. - Experience with XR, AR/VR/MR, robotics, or autonomous systems. - Familiarity with tools such as GTSAM, Ceres, OpenCV, ROS, or similar libraries. - Experience with ground-truth systems (motion capture, GNSS, fiducials). - Experience influencing validation strategy at a system or org level. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. OR PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience. 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.