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Principal Engineer, Firmware

San Jose, California, United States

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To provide the best candidate experience amidst our high application volumes, each candidate is limited to 10 applications across all open jobs within a 6-month period. 

Advancing the World’s Technology Together

Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future. 

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

The Technology Enabling Development Lab (TED) Our core development focus is the host interface firmware layer that sits in the intersection of system software and flash management firmware. This key host interface firmware technology drives Samsung’s breakthrough V-NAND technology and enables our customers to power performance-oriented, demanding, enterprise-class applications ranging from hyper-scale data centers, to big data processing, to software defined virtualized storage arrays and infrastructures.

We are looking for a Principal Firmware Engineer to develop and support our cutting edge NVMe SSD products

Location:  Daily onsite presence at our San Jose, CA office / U.S. headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy.

What You’ll Do

  • NVMe SSD firmware development and debug for OEMs during productization and launch phase.
  • Serve as a technical lead, setting directions, reviewing designs\implementations, and can mentor and guide firmware engineers at all levels, providing technical oversight, best practices.
  • Analyze, debug, and resolve firmware issues observed at domestic and international customer sites as well as at local and overseas development centers.
  • Triage and root cause system, driver, and device interoperability issues at customer sites.
  • Lead and/or support customer SSD specification review, gap analysis, firmware customization\development for OEM’s unique feature/functions, issues debug, collaborate with other engineering teams to analyze debug information, and implement/deploy firmware patches.
  • Travel and stay at domestic and international customer sites as well as overseas development centers for extended periods of time is expected.

What You Bring

  • BS in Computer/Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Computer Science, and 20 years of relevant experience in software or firmware, or a MS in Computer/Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Computer Science with 18 years of relevant experience, or PhD in these fields with 15 years of relevant experiences, is required.
  • Strong familiarity with SSD firmware feature design, implementation, and debugging challenges.
  • Strong experience in C/C++ for embedded systems is required.
  • Strong experience with UART/JTAG/ICE debuggers, firmware debugging and protocol analyzers
  • Good verbal and written skills for communication and documentation of technical information
  • Proven track of record demonstrating technical leadership role in SSD FW development.
  • Open to frequent and possible extended domestic and/or international travel.
  • NVMe SSD firmware development and debug for OEMs during productization and launch phase.
  • Serve as a technical lead, setting directions, reviewing designs\implementations, and can mentor and guide firmware engineers at all levels, providing technical oversight, best practices.
  • Analyze, debug, and resolve firmware issues observed at domestic and international customer sites as well as at local and overseas development centers.
  • Triage and root cause system, driver, and device interoperability issues at customer sites.
  • Lead and/or support customer SSD specification review, gap analysis, firmware customization\development for OEM’s unique feature/functions, issues debug, collaborate with other engineering teams to analyze debug information, and implement/deploy firmware patches.
  • Travel and stay at domestic and international customer sites as well as overseas development centers for extended periods of time is expected.
  • Familiar with PCIe/NVMe protocol and Knowledge in NAND is a plus.
  • Strong knowledge in NVMe / OCP specification.
  • Strong understanding of SSD customer requirements and standards
  • Direct working experience with major OEMs in customer facing Firmware support role.
  • Ability to work well with internal and external customers
  • Knowledge in NVMe driver on OS is a plus 
  • You’re inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people. 
  • An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
  • You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
  • Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.

#LI-VL1

What We Offer
The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Individual pay rates depend on a number of factors—including the role’s function and location, as well as the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, education, and training. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance. 

This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.

Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
Enjoy Time Away You’ll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.
Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way—including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, medical travel support, and an errand service.
Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and paid therapy sessions, you’ll have support no matter where you are.
Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That’s why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

Base Pay Range

$214,060 - $341,940 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy 

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy-related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.

Recruiting Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.

Covid-19 Policy

To help keep our employees, customers, and communities safe, we've developed guidelines for our team. Currently, we encourage vaccination for all employees and may require it depending on job functions (e.g., traveling for business, meeting with customers). While visiting our offices or attending team events, we ask employees to complete a daily health questionnaire and complete a weekly COVID test. Our COVID policies are subject to change depending on public health, regulatory, and business circumstances. 

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