US tech firm to add 300 jobs in Cork within three years

A US technology giant is to invest €125m in its research and development facility in Cork, creating approximately 300 new jobs and growing its workforce to more than 1,000 people within three years.

Qualcomm Technologies has had a presence in Cork since 2013, and it is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the hiring of its first engineer here.

Over the past decade, the company has grown to more than 780 employees locally, establishing Cork as a key strategic location within Qualcomm’s global operations.

In 2020 it established a new office in Penrose Docks in Cork City following a €78m investment.

The company said its decision to expand its workforce on Leeside marked a significant milestone for its Cork operation.

Headquartered in San Diego, Qualcomm is one of the world’s leading technology companies, developing the standards and protocols that underpin 5G and emerging 6G technologies, alongside advanced AI and low-power computing.

FABLESS

It is also one of the world’s largest fabless semiconductor companies, with its Snapdragon platforms powering products across mobile, PC, automotive, XR and IoT.

Snapdragon is the front-of-shirt sponsor for Manchester United, underlining its global consumer reach.

Welcoming the announcement, Jerry Buttimer, minister of state and Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, said the investment was a strong vote of confidence in Cork, in Ireland’s technology ecosystem, and most importantly in the highly skilled workforce based here.

“Qualcomm’s continued expansion demonstrates Ireland’s ability to compete internationally for high-value, future-focused investment,” 

he said.

He highlighted Qualcomm’s deep integration into the local economy, including sustained engagement with Irish suppliers, training providers, universities and schools, and its long-standing support for community and charitable initiatives.

“Qualcomm is not just creating high-quality jobs, it is embedding itself in the fabric of the Cork community.

“This is exactly the type of long-term, innovation-led investment that Government is committed to supporting.”

The vice-president of engineering at QT Technologies Ireland, Paul Kelleher, said: "Qualcomm is proud of what we’ve achieved in Ireland — and we are even more excited about what’s ahead. We’re not just building technology. We’re shaping the future, right here in Cork.”