Linux Program Manager

Location: Hyderabad, Telangāna, India

Department: Program Management

Work Location: onsite

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.

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