Qualcomm

Technology / Semiconductors

Founded in 1985 by Irwin Jacobs and co-founders in San Diego, Qualcomm designs and licenses wireless technology and semiconductor products. Its Snapdragon processors power the majority of Android smartphones, and its technology underpins most of the world's mobile networks.

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Official Qualcomm Careers Website

Quick Facts

Founded: 1985
Founders: Irwin Jacobs & co-founders
Headquarters: San Diego, California
Industry: Semiconductors & Wireless Technology

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm was founded in 1985 in San Diego, California by Irwin Jacobs and six co-founders. The company developed CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), a wireless communication standard that became foundational to 3G mobile networks. Qualcomm listed on NASDAQ in 1991.

Qualcomm operates two primary business segments: QCT (semiconductors), which designs Snapdragon system-on-chip processors for smartphones, PCs, and automotive systems; and QTL (technology licensing), which licenses Qualcomm's extensive wireless technology patent portfolio to mobile device manufacturers worldwide.

What Qualcomm Does

QCT Semiconductors

Snapdragon processors for smartphones, PCs, IoT, and automotive; modem and connectivity chips.

QTL Technology Licensing

Licensing of Qualcomm's wireless technology patents to device manufacturers globally.

Automotive

Snapdragon Digital Chassis -- ADAS, digital cockpit, and connectivity solutions for vehicles.

Career Areas

Types of professional roles found inside Qualcomm.

Wireless & RF Engineering
Chip Design (VLSI)
Software Engineering
AI & Machine Learning
Product Management
IP Licensing & Legal
Sales & Marketing
Finance

Qualcomm's History

1985
Founded in San Diego
Qualcomm founded by Irwin Jacobs and six co-founders in San Diego, California.
1989
CDMA technology developed
CDMA wireless technology developed and patented by Qualcomm.
1991
IPO on NASDAQ
Qualcomm lists on NASDAQ.
1999
Focus on chips and licensing
Qualcomm sells its phone manufacturing division to Kyocera, concentrating on chipmaking and technology licensing.
2007
Snapdragon platform announced
Snapdragon mobile platform announced, which becomes the dominant smartphone chipset brand.
2018
Broadcom takeover blocked
Proposed $117 billion acquisition by Broadcom blocked by US government on national security grounds.

Purpose & Values

“Inventing the tech the world loves”

Qualcomm describes this as reflecting its role in creating the wireless technologies and semiconductor products that enable modern mobile communication -- from CDMA to 5G and beyond.

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