Firmware / Embedded Software Architect - High Speed SerDes and Connectivity IPs

Alphawave Semi; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Alphawave Semi is seeking a Firmware / Embedded Software Architect to lead the design and development of innovative firmware solutions for high-speed SerDes and connectivity interfaces. The role requires extensive experience in embedded systems and offers a flexible work environment with competitive benefits.

Benefits

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Wellness Spending Account (WSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave Top-Up Program

Qualifications

• 10+ years of embedded firmware/software development experience.
• At least 5 years in an architecture role.
• Deep understanding of high-speed interfaces and their firmware interactions.

Responsibilities

• Define and architect firmware solutions for high-speed SerDes.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams for integration.
• Lead firmware architecture and code reviews.

Skills

C

C++

assembly programming

real-time operating systems

low-level driver development

performance optimization

power management

secure firmware development

hardware debugging tools

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field

Job description

Firmware / Embedded Software Architect - High Speed SerDes and Connectivity IPs

Firmware / Embedded Software Architect - High Speed SerDes and Connectivity IPs

The Opportunity

We're looking for the Wavemakers of tomorrow.

Alphawave Semi enables tomorrow’s future by accelerating the critical data communication at the heart of our digital world – from seamless video streaming to AI to the metaverse and much more. Our technology powers product innovation in the most data-demanding industries today, including data centers, networking, storage, artificial intelligence, 5G wireless infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles. Customers partner with us for mission-critical data communication, our innovative technologies, and our proven track record. Together, we enable the next generation of digital technology.

As a Firmware / Embedded Software Architect, you will define and lead the architecture, design, and development of firmware and embedded software solutions for SerDes PHYs, controllers, and connectivity interfaces. You will work closely with hardware, digital design, and system architects to ensure seamless integration of firmware into Alphawave Semi's high-performance connectivity products.

What You'll Do

• Define and architect firmware and embedded software solutions for high-speed SerDes, PCIe, UCIe, and Ethernet PHYs / controllers.
• Develop low-level firmware, bootloaders, drivers, and real-time embedded software to interface with hardware components.
• Drive system-level modeling, simulation, and validation to ensure firmware-hardware co-optimization.
• Collaborate with ASIC, FPGA, and hardware teams to define firmware requirements and hardware / software interfaces.
• Establish best practices for firmware development, including coding standards, debugging methodologies, and performance optimization.
• Lead firmware architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical discussions across multiple engineering teams.
• Design and implement secure, scalable, and modular firmware architectures for Alphawave Semi's connectivity solutions.
• Define firmware development roadmaps, test plans, ensuring alignment with product and business goals.
• Work closely with customers and field engineers to understand requirements and optimize firmware for deployment.
• Guide and mentor firmware engineers on best practices for embedded software development.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in embedded firmware / software development, with at least 5 years in an architecture role.
• Expertise in C, C++, and assembly programming for embedded systems.
• Strong experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS), bare-metal firmware, and low-level driver development.
• Deep understanding of high-speed interfaces (SerDes, PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, etc.) and their firmware / software interactions.
• Experience with hardware / software co-design, including FPGA and ASIC-based firmware development.
• Familiarity with hardware debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers) and firmware debugging techniques.
• Experience with performance optimization, power management, and real-time constraints in embedded systems.
• Knowledge of secure firmware development methodologies (e.g., secure boot, cryptographic protocols, firmware signing).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PHY bring-up, calibration algorithms, and DSP-based firmware development.
• Knowledge of RISC-V, ARM architectures, and SoC firmware development.
• Experience working in a semiconductor or high-speed connectivity domain.
• Understanding of AI / ML applications in firmware development (optional but a plus).

We have a flexible work environment to support and help employees thrive in personal and professional capacities.

You'll also be eligible for competitive benefits described as per below :

• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Wellness Spending Account (WSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Time Off

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave Top-Up Program

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Alphawave Semi is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all applicants regardless of age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics. We value diversity and provide accommodations during the recruitment process.