Firmware Architect

AMD; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

AMD benefits at a glance

Job summary

AMD in San Jose seeks an SoC Architect specializing in Boot, Firmware, and Software/Hardware Interfacing. You will define firmware architecture for next-generation SoCs, ensuring robust boot flows and safety compliance, and collaborate with other architects to integrate firmware with processor subsystems and interconnects.

You thrive on balancing performance, power, and reliability, driving functional safety, security, and lifecycle strategies across firmware domains, while mentoring teams and

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Proven track record delivering architecture for SoCs with robust boot and firmware solutions.
• Experience in ARM and x86 SoC boot flows, including secure boot and power-on initialization.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop firmware architecture for SoC boot flows, reset sequences, and system initialization.
• Collaborate with SoC architects to ensure cohesive integration of firmware with hardware components.
• Specify requirements and create detailed documentation for boot and firmware interfaces.
• Drive implementation of functional safety‑compliant firmware and software.
• Partner with design, verification, and software teams to ensure functional correctness and system‑level validation.
• Analyze trade‑offs for performance, power, reliability, and safety in firmware design.
• Influence strategies for security, safety, and lifecycle management across firmware domains.

Skills

Firmware architecture

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering

Tools

C

Python

AXI

Hardware Abstraction Layers

Job description

THE ROLE

We are seeking an SoC Architect specializing in Boot, Firmware, and Software/Hardware Interfacing. In this role, you will define and drive firmware architecture for next-generation SoCs, ensuring robust boot flows and compliance with functional safety standards. You will collaborate closely with other SoC architects to integrate firmware seamlessly with processor subsystems, interconnects, and system‑level components.

THE PERSON

You are passionate about SoC architecture and firmware design, with deep expertise in boot flows for ARM and x86 platforms. You thrive in cross‑functional environments, balancing performance, power, and reliability trade‑offs. You have strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to influence architecture decisions across teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and develop firmware architecture for SoC boot flows, reset sequences, and system initialization.
• Collaborate with SoC architects to ensure cohesive integration of firmware with hardware components.
• Specify requirements and create detailed documentation for boot and firmware interfaces.
• Drive implementation of functional safety‑compliant firmware and software.
• Partner with design, verification, and software teams to ensure functional correctness and system‑level validation.
• Analyze trade‑offs for performance, power, reliability, and safety in firmware design.
• Influence strategies for security, safety, and lifecycle management across firmware domains.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in ARM and x86 SoC boot flows, including secure boot and power‑on initialization.
• Expertise in firmware development for SoCs, including low‑level drivers and hardware abstraction layers.
• Experience with functional safety compliance (ISO 26262 or equivalent) for firmware and software.
• Familiarity with SoC architecture, processor subsystems, interconnect protocols (e.g., AXI), and memory systems.
• Knowledge of low‑power design techniques, reset flows, and power management.
• Proficiency in modeling and automation using C, Python or similar languages.
• Strong understanding of security and reliability strategies for embedded firmware.

Academic & Experience Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Proven track record in delivering architecture for SoCs with robust boot and firmware solutions.

LOCATION

San Jose, CA

Benefits

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AMD is an equal‑opportunity inclusive employer and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third‑party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.