Qualcomm was opposite to what I'd expected while joining two years ago...
Pros
As a big company, Good benefits and perks if you live in SD, Good learning programs and education assistance programs.
Cons
I worked at Qualcomm Atheros from 2013 to 2015 There is lots of office politics as they've hired so many extra engineers, project managers and there's matrix system where everybody has two managers- direct and indirect. You work mostly with the direct manager but the indirect manager rates you every six months. Which in my case didn't work well as my direct manager wasn't aware of my full responsibilities. People who play politics and do most bootlicking seen to get promoted. Worked on two wireless connectivity chips. Both got cancelled after tape out and marketing takes irresponsible decisions for product roadmap. Salary is below the market range and the HR was rude to not even negotiate the salary while joining. 80-90% are Indians and Asians on visa. Many Indians are brought every year on business visa for up to six months in a year and exploited. They are paid about $25 in daily allowance for meals where as a local employee get that amount for one meal on travel. There is no work culture due to demographics as well. People just come to work and hang out in groups for coffee etc. No social experience and many are too reserved to talk. No real talented people except design engineers. Test engineers are below par and just having a MS degree doesn't mean you're employable. Don't transfer internally to another group. They will make your life hell. Better find job somewhere else. Senior managers are there just because they've been there for so long and don't seem knowledgeable.
