Principal / Technologist Firmware Engineer

Job Description

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our engineering team. This role demands a seasoned professional with deep technical mastery across the full embedded stack — from low-level bare-metal firmware through RTOS-based systems to Linux kernel and application-layer development. The ideal candidate bridges hardware and software domains fluently, bringing hands-on FPGA development experience alongside proven capability in upper-computer (PC/host-side) software. This is a senior individual contributor role requiring independent technical judgment, architectural thinking, and the ability to drive complex projects from concept to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, debug, and optimize firmware and software for embedded platforms spanning bare-metal, RTOS, and embedded Linux environments
• Write and maintain board support packages (BSPs), bootloaders, peripheral drivers, and hardware abstraction layers for microcontrollers and SoCs
• Develop and maintain Linux kernel modules, device drivers, device-tree configurations, and root filesystem customization for embedded Linux targets
• Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic (Verilog/VHDL); collaborate with hardware teams on FPGA-based prototyping, signal processing pipelines, or custom peripheral integration; develop and debug firmware-FPGA interfaces
• Develop host-side applications (C/C++, Python, C#, or Qt-based) for device communication, data acquisition, test automation, calibration tools, and production diagnostics
• Lead board bring-up activities, integrate software/firmware/FPGA components, and drive system-level debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and protocol analyzers
• Profile and optimize system performance (latency, throughput, memory footprint, power consumption); implement robust error handling, watchdog strategies, and fault-tolerant designs
• Provide architectural guidance and code reviews; mentor junior engineers; establish coding standards, documentation practices, and development workflows for the embedded team
• Work closely with hardware, mechanical, test, and product teams to translate system requirements into embedded software specifications and deliver integrated solutions

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• 8+ years of professional embedded software/firmware development experience
• Deep proficiency in C/C++ for resource-constrained targets; extensive experience with at least one commercial or open-source RTOS; solid understanding of real-time scheduling, interrupt handling, synchronization primitives, and deterministic timing
• Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel internals — driver development, kernel module programming, user-space/kernel-space interfaces (ioctl, sysfs, netlink), and cross-compilation toolchains
• Hands-on development in Verilog or VHDL targeting Xilinx and/or Intel (Altera) platforms; familiarity with synthesis, timing closure, simulation, and on-chip debug (ILA/SignalTap)
• Proven track record building PC-side applications for embedded device interaction — serial/USB/Ethernet communication stacks, GUI or CLI tools, and automated test frameworks
• Expert-level use of JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes; proficiency with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and build systems (Make, CMake, Yocto/Buildroot)
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear design documents, interface specifications, and technical reports
• Proficient in English verbal communication; able to effectively collaborate and conduct technical discussions across cross-functional and cross-regional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-speed interfaces: PCIe, USB 3.x, Ethernet (including RGMII/SGMII), or MIPI
• Familiarity with hardware description and verification methodologies (SystemVerilog, UVM) or High-Level Synthesis (HLS)
• Experience with signal/image processing algorithms implemented in firmware or FPGA fabric
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and rapid prototyping
• Experience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies in a hardware-software co-development environment
• Familiarity with storage systems, motor control, or industrial/IoT domains is a plus

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

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