Senior System Software Engineer

HP IQ

San Francisco, CAFull-time$162,000–$288,000Posted Oct 20, 2026

About the role

Who We Are

HP IQ is HP’s new AI innovation lab. Combining startup agility with HP’s global scale, we’re building intelligent technologies that redefine how the world works, creates, and collaborates.

We’re assembling a diverse, world-class team—engineers, designers, researchers, and product minds—focused on creating an intelligent ecosystem across HP’s portfolio. Together, we’re developing intuitive, adaptive solutions that spark creativity, boost productivity, and make collaboration seamless.

We create breakthrough solutions that make complex tasks feel effortless, teamwork more natural, and ideas more impactful—always with a human-centric mindset.

By embedding AI advancements into every HP product and service, we’re expanding what’s possible for individuals, organisations, and the future of work.

Join us as we reinvent work, so people everywhere can do their best work.

About The Role

HP IQ’s System Software team enables on-device experiences to take full advantage of our hardware capabilities. We collaborate with internal and external partners in a high-leverage environment that enables us to spend a majority of our time developing solutions that are unique to our hardware, sensors, algorithms, and interaction models. If you enjoy solving complex, interdisciplinary problems with a world-class team, we'd love to hear from you!

What You Might Do

Learn what it's like to be a part of a world-class embedded software team building a first-of-its-kind product in a startup environment

Responsible for system design and architecture

Develop low-level driver and framework software in C and C++

Develop device-focused infrastructure software in Python

Debug issues at the interface between hardware and software

Optimize software for better performance and lower power consumption

Collaborate in the software engineering process with documentation, testing, and code review

Essential Qualifications

8+ years of experience in system software engineering and embedded platform

Experience in at least one of the following programming languages: C++ or C

Strong background in systems design and architecture

Preferred Skills

Familiarity with modern C++

Experience with Android development, Linux, or Windows

Familiarity with optimization tools such as Perfmon or Valgrind

Experience porting reference algorithms to hardware accelerators (GPU, DSP, etc)

Familiarity with ARM System-on-Chip (SOC) architecture

Experience developing bare-metal firmware for microcontrollers

Ability to use common lab equipment (eg, logic analyzers) to debug low-level SW issues

Salary Range: $162,000 to $288,000

Compensation & Benefits (Full-Time Employees)

The salary range for this role is listed above. Final salary offered is based upon multiple factors including individual job-related qualifications, education, experience, knowledge and skills.

At HP IQ, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Long term/short term disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Generous time off policies, including;

4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure

11 paid holidays

Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave (US benefits overview)

Why HP IQ?

HP IQ is HP’s new AI innovation lab, building the intelligence to empower humanity—reimagining how we work, create, and connect to shape the future of work.

Innovative Work

Help shape the future of intelligent computing and workplace transformation.

Autonomy and Agility

Work with the speed and focus of a startup, backed by HP’s scale.

Meaningful Impact

Build AI-powered solutions that help people and organisations thrive.

Flexible Work Environment

Freedom and flexibility to do your best work.

Forward-Thinking Culture

We learn fast, stay future-focused, and imagine what comes next—together.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) Statement

HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).

Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.

If you’d like more information about HP’s EEO Policy or your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law – Supplement

Responsibilities

  • Design system software architecture.
  • Develop low-level drivers and frameworks in C and C++.
  • Develop device-focused infrastructure software in Python.
  • Debug issues at hardware-software interfaces.
  • Optimize software performance and power consumption.
  • Contribute to documentation, testing, and code reviews.

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in system software engineering and embedded platforms.
  • Experience programming in C or C++.
  • Strong background in systems design and architecture.
  • Familiarity with modern C++, Android, Linux, or Windows.
  • Experience with performance optimization tools, hardware accelerators, ARM SoCs, bare-metal firmware, or lab equipment is beneficial.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and an employee assistance program.
  • Flexible spending account.
  • 4–12 weeks of paid parental leave based on tenure.
  • 11 paid holidays and flexible paid vacation and sick leave.

Skills mentioned

CC++System DesignEmbedded SystemsEmbedded Software DevelopmentLinuxPerformance OptimizationDebuggingFirmware DevelopmentSystems Engineering

About HP IQ

HP, for your best work.

IT Services and IT Consulting10,001+ employeesPalo Alto, CA