Principal Engineer, Firmware Security

Micron Technology; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 318,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision plans

Robust paid time-off program

Paid family leave

Income protection benefits

Job summary

Micron Technology seeks a Principal Security Firmware Engineer to enhance the security of enterprise SSDs. This role involves designing cryptographic solutions and leading the transition to post-quantum technologies. Candidates should have extensive experience in security firmware, applied cryptography, and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. A Master’s or Ph.D. is preferred. This position offers a competitive salary range of $187,000 to $318,000, alongside comprehensive benefits focused on employee wellbeing.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in security firmware development.
• Hands-on experience with applied cryptography and firmware security.
• Knowledge of enterprise storage security standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop security features for Micron enterprise SSDs.
• Lead the transition to post-quantum cryptography algorithms.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with firmware and hardware teams.

Skills

Applied cryptography

Firmware security

C programming

Python programming

Post-quantum cryptography

Debugging firmware

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems, Cyber Security

Master's degree or Ph.D.

Tools

JTAG

Memory dumps

Bus analyzers

Job description

Position Overview

Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all. Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.

As a Principal Security Firmware Engineer on Micron's enterprise SSD team, you will design and develop security features that protect next‑generation storage products against evolving cybersecurity threats. You will architect and implement cryptography‑based solutions—including data encryption, Root of Trust, Secure Boot, Device Attestation, and Self‑Encrypting Devices (SED)—while leading the transition to post‑quantum cryptography for future product generations. This role spans the full Security Development Lifecycle, from threat modeling and architecture through implementation, testing, and certification. You will work across SoC, FPGA, and simulation platforms and collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver security solutions aligned with industry standards including OCP, TCG, NVMe, and PCIe.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop security features for Micron enterprise SSDs, protecting against cybersecurity threats across the product lifecycle
• Architect, implement, and debug cryptography‑based security solutions including data encryption, Root of Trust, Secure Boot and Update, Device Attestation, and Self‑Encrypting Devices (SED)
• Lead the transition to post‑quantum cryptography algorithms (LMS, ML‑DSA, ML‑KEM) for next‑generation products
• Implement security protocols aligned with OCP, TCG, NVMe, and PCIe specifications
• Debug security firmware on SoC, FPGA, and simulation platforms using tools such as JTAG, memory dumps, and bus analyzers
• Drive the Security Development Lifecycle including architecture, threat modeling, security code review, fuzz testing, vulnerability testing, FIPS certification support, and OCP S.A.F.E. compliance
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with firmware, hardware, and product teams to ensure security requirements are met from design through production

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems, Cyber Security, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in security firmware development
• Hands‑on experience with applied cryptography and firmware security: data encryption (AES‑XTS), Root of Trust, Secure Boot, Device Attestation, TRNG/DRBG, Key Management, and Public Key Infrastructure
• Post‑quantum cryptography expertise (LMS, ML‑DSA, ML‑KEM) and understanding of their embedded system constraints
• Knowledge of enterprise storage security standards (PCIe, NVMe, OCP, TCG, IEEE 1667, DMTF SPDM)
• Proficiency in C and Python for firmware development

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems, Cyber Security, or a related field
• Experience debugging firmware on SoC, FPGA, and simulation platforms; ability to resolve security protocol compatibility issues using JTAG, memory dumps, and bus analyzers
• Experience with Rust for firmware development
• Familiarity with AI‑assisted developer tools for coding, testing, and code review (with human validation)
• Agile and SDL expertise including version control, code reviews, CI/CD, threat modeling, fuzz testing, and static/dynamic code analysis
• Technical leadership experience in security firmware architecture and multi‑functional execution
• Embedded firmware experience with controller initialization, boot/update processes, RTOS, IPC, and NAND Flash management
• Participation in industry standards groups (TCG, OCP, DMTF, PCI‑SIG)
• Experience with Caliptra Root of Trust and OCP L.O.C.K. integration

Compensation

The US base salary range that Micron Technology estimates it could pay for this full‑time position is: $187,000.00 – $318,000.00 a year. Additional compensation may include benefits, bonuses, and equity.

Benefits

As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind, and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time‑off program and paid holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.