A solid company with great benefits and opportunities to learn but missing life-balance - Hardware Engineer Qualcomm Employee Review

4.0
22 Feb 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Currently employed at Qualcomm and I am enjoying the opportunities to take on big tasks right at the start. The benefits are excellent (ESPP/RSU/401K among best in the industry), great health care, and a nice campus. Team is very receptive to assist when needed. I feel that I can develop a very strong career here with live long learning by working with this top-tier talent. We have a great CEO that values what is important for long-term growth versus what makes stock holders happy.

Cons

The culture here seems to be "work first, family second" without directly saying it. While no one will force you to work long hours, the culture seems to dictate it. I know people that had to work over holidays and sacrifice family trips. While this isn't uncommon in our industry, it's sad to see it continued here. The social events that Qualcomm holds for their employees are very far and few between (I know some groups have more than others but my group has very few). I've worked for other semiconductor companies where this was the opposite. As a result of the culture, it seems like employees want to get their things done and go directly home. There is very little socializing out side of work or team-building. When I've tried to organize events for my group to meet even for a simple happy hour, it was met with little enthusiasm. I know work isn't meant to be "social hour" but it is nice to have team camaraderie. Life isn't all about the 9-5 (well, more like 8-8 here).

Explore other reviews about Qualcomm

5.0
21 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Competitive Pay and good team

Cons

None, everything was pretty good

3.0
2 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great benefits, the pay is like okay. Some cool reimbursement programs and health centers on campus

Cons

Career progression and culture varies extremely depending on department. Some parts almost set you up for failure and it's difficult to gain new skills. Lots of qualcomm teams are too scared to explore new technologies and migrate to state of the art services and are comfortable in sticking with old technology for familiarity. Also, HR does nothing if a coworker makes you uncomfortable.

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