Firmware Engineer

Lumentum Operations LLC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Health benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Gym access

Free coffee

Stock options

Innovative culture

Job summary

Lumentum Operations LLC in San Jose, CA, is seeking a Firmware Engineer to develop, test, and maintain embedded software for our optical products. You will work across the full firmware lifecycle to ensure high performance and reliability.

You will design and debug firmware for modules and transceivers, implement software for microcontrollers with real-time OS, and collaborate with hardware, manufacturing, and test teams to bring products to production.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of embedded firmware experience.
• Proficient in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience with FreeRTOS or similar RTOS.
• Strong ARM Cortex-M/R MCU knowledge.
• Familiarity with I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet.
• Git version control experience.
• DSP or control systems knowledge is a plus.
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and debug firmware for optical modules and transceivers.
• Implement embedded software for MCUs with real-time operating systems.
• Develop unit, integration, and system tests for firmware.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to define firmware interfaces.
• Support production ramp‑up and debugging activities.
• Contribute to architecture discussions and design reviews.
• Analyze and resolve performance and stability issues.
• Document firmware designs and test plans.

Skills

Embedded firmware

C/C++

FreeRTOS

ARM Cortex-M

Peripheral interfaces

Git

DSP knowledge

Debugging tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

In-circuit debuggers

Git

Job description

About Lumentum

At Lumentum, we’re building the tech behind the world’s fastest networks and most advanced systems. Our optical and photonic solutions power everything from AI and cloud computing to data centers, telecom, and advanced manufacturing. We’re a global team of innovators working where light meets technology, solving big challenges that keep the world connected and moving forward. If shaping the future of connectivity excites you, you’ll fit right in.

Why You’ll Love This Role

As a Firmware Engineer at Lumentum Operations LLC, you will be instrumental in developing, testing, and maintaining embedded software for our cutting‑edge optical products. This role involves working across the full firmware development lifecycle to ensure high‑performance and reliable operation of our devices.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design, develop, and debug firmware for new and existing optical modules, transceivers, and other Lumentum products.


• Implement embedded software for microcontrollers and other embedded systems, focusing on real‑time operating systems and internal operation systems.


• Develop and execute comprehensive unit, integration, and system tests to ensure firmware quality and robustness.


• Work closely with hardware engineers during the design phase to define firmware requirements and interfaces.


• Work closely with manufacturing and test engineering teams to support product bring‑up, debug, and production ramp‑up.


• Contribute to architecture discussions and design reviews, providing expert input on firmware solutions.


• Analyze and resolve complex firmware issues, including performance bottlenecks and stability problems.


• Document firmware designs, specifications, and test plans to maintain clear and concise records.


• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in embedded systems and optical networking.

What We’re Looking For

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience

• Core Requirements: 3+ years of experience in embedded firmware development, preferably in the optical networking or telecommunications industry.


• Proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems.


• Experience with bare‑metal and real‑time operating systems such as FreeRTOS, or similar.


• Strong understanding of microcontroller architectures (e.g., ARM Cortex‑M/R based) and peripheral interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet).


• Familiarity with hardware/software co‑design and debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, in‑circuit debuggers).


• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).


• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) or control systems is a plus.


• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Perks You’ll Love

• Flexible time off


• Health and wellness benefits (physical and mental)


• Tuition reimbursement and career growth support


• A workplace built for you: free gym, games room, prayer room


• Subsidized meals, free coffee/tea


• Employee stock options and incentive plans
  
• A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture

Company Culture

Join a Team That’s Shaping the Future At Lumentum, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a launchpad for creativity and innovation. We’re committed to celebrating your unique talents and helping you grow. Our guiding principles—Innovate, Engage, Deliver, Excel, and Win—aren’t just words; they’re the heart of what we do. Let’s Build a Brighter Future Together! We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Your uniqueness makes us stronger, sparks creativity, and drives our success.

Pay Range

Pay Range: P60-USA-1 :$112,050.00 - $160,050.00

Disclaimer

Final base salary for the successful candidate will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job location, where work will be performed, qualifications, work history and relevant experience. With our continual goal of making Lumentum a best place to work for our employees, we strive to offer employees competitive total compensation packages, which may include annual bonus, commission for certain sales roles, equity, and health and welfare benefits.

About Lumentum (continued)

Lumentum is illuminating the networks of tomorrow with advanced photonic technologies that enable AI, data centers, telecom, industrial, and sensing applications. As AI accelerates the global demand for bandwidth and energy efficiency, we deliver the building blocks that keep data moving reliably, efficiently, and at massive scale. Our optical products support AI and compute infrastructure, cloud and DCI environments, metro and long‑haul networks, while our lasers drive breakthroughs in precision manufacturing and sensing. For nearly five decades, Lumentum has been at the intersection of light and innovation. What began as a vision with JDS Uniphase to harness the power of photonics has evolved into a global force driving the communication infrastructure of tomorrow. At Lumentum, we’re building more than a business—we’re building a team of passionate innovators whose drive to collaborate, create, and connect the world fuels everything we do. We are part of the AI technology revolution and we are illuminating the path forward. Headquartered in San Jose, California, we operate worldwide through a network of R&D, manufacturing, and sales locations.