Senior Staff Firmware Engineer

Role: Senior Principal Engineer, Software/Firmware - coherent optical module firmware/SoC-based embedded platforms/CPO

Location: Santa Clara, CA, US (Full Time)

What You Can Expect

• We are looking for a Senior Principal Firmware Engineer to join Optical Connectivity firmware team in Santa Clara. This is a highly technical individual contributor role with broad program ownership across one or more coherent optical module programs. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded firmware for optical transceivers, a track record of leading complex multi-generation programs, and the ability to work effectively across firmware, hardware, DSP, and customer-facing teams.
• What You'll DoOwn firmware development for coherent optical module programs (e.g., 400ZR/ZR+, 800ZR), from architecture through production release
• Lead program-level firmware efforts, including bring-up, calibration, validation, and customer delivery milestones
• Design and implement advanced firmware features such as hitless firmware upgrade, CMIS compliance, bootloader architecture, calibration and control engines, and hardware adaptation layers
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with DSP, hardware, ATE, and test engineering teams to resolve complex system-level issues
• Support customer engagements — respond to technical inquiries, debug field issues, and deliver firmware solutions that meet hyperscaler and carrier requirements
• Contribute to firmware architecture decisions across the broader optics firmware platform, including shared infrastructure, tooling, and release processes
• Mentor and guide other engineers on the team; serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert

What We're Looking For

• Senior Principal Engineer, Software/Firmware - coherent optical module firmware/SoC-based embedded platforms/CPO
• Required 15+ years of experience in embedded software/firmware architecture, design, and implementation
• Deep expertise in coherent optical module firmware (400ZR, 800ZR, or equivalent) and associated standards (OIF-400ZR, C-CMIS, CMIS 4.x/5.x)
• Strong background in bootloader design, firmware upgrade mechanisms (including hitless/in-service upgrade), and flash management
• Experience with SoC-based embedded platforms (MCU/DSP-based architecture)
• Proficiency in C/C++ firmware development and Python-based test/automation scripting
• Demonstrated ability to own and deliver programs end-to-end — from alpha bring-up through GA release and production support
• Strong debugging skills across hardware/firmware boundaries; experience with lab bench bring-up, ATE integration, and field issue resolution
• Experience with Jira, GitLab, and CI/CD-based firmware release flows
• Excellent communication skills; able to work effectively with customers, hardware engineers, and DSP teams
• Preferred Prior experience at an optical module company or optical semiconductor company
• Familiarity with Marvell optical or coherent DSP platforms or equivalent
• Background in calibration and control algorithms for optical components (EDFA, MZ, TOSA, etc.)