Senior Principal Engineer, Software/Firmware

Fox Point Recruitment LLC; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Fox Point Recruitment LLC is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer specializing in Software/Firmware for their Optical Connectivity firmware team in Santa Clara, California. This role demands deep expertise in embedded firmware for coherent optical modules and the ability to lead complex firmware programs through multiple project phases.

The ideal candidate will possess over 15 years of experience in firmware architecture and delivery, with proficiency in C/C++ and a commitment to mentoring team members. Competitive salary between $200,000 and $260,000 per year is offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years experience in embedded software/firmware architecture and implementation.
• Deep expertise in coherent optical module firmware (400ZR, 800ZR).
• Experience with bootloader design and firmware upgrade mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead firmware development for coherent optical module programs.
• Drive program-level firmware efforts, including bring-up and validation.
• Architect advanced firmware features and contribute to architecture decisions.

Skills

Embedded firmware

C/C++

Python scripting

Debugging

Communication

Tools

Jira

GitLab

CI/CD

Job description

Job Title: Senior Principal Engineer, Software/Firmware

Location: Onsite, Santa Clara, CA, US

Industry: Engineering / Architecture

Salary: USD $200,000 – $260,000 / year

Sponsorship: None available at this time

About the Opportunity

A leading technology engineering company is seeking the expertise of a Senior Principal Firmware Engineer (Software/Firmware Coherent Optical Module Firmware / SoC-Based Embedded Platforms / CPO) to join their Optical Connectivity firmware team in Santa Clara. This is a highly technical individual contributor role with broad program ownership across one or more coherent optical module programs. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded firmware for optical transceivers, a track record of leading complex multi-generation programs, and the ability to work effectively across firmware, hardware, DSP, and customer-facing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Own Firmware Development: Lead the firmware development for coherent optical module programs (e.g., 400ZR/ZR+, 800ZR), managing the process from initial architecture through production release.
• Lead Program Efforts: Drive program-level firmware efforts, including bring-up, calibration, validation, and critical customer delivery milestones.
• Design Advanced Features: Architect and implement advanced firmware features such as hitless firmware upgrades, CMIS compliance, bootloader architecture, calibration and control engines, and hardware adaptation layers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with DSP, hardware, ATE, and test engineering teams to isolate and resolve complex, system-level issues.
• Support Customer Engagements: Respond directly to technical inquiries, debug complex field issues, and deliver robust firmware solutions that meet hyperscaler and carrier requirements.
• Shape Architecture: Contribute to firmware architecture decisions across the broader optics firmware platform, including shared infrastructure, tooling, and release processes.
• Mentor & Guide: Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert, mentoring and guiding other engineers on the team.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 15+ years of experience in embedded software/firmware architecture, design, and implementation.
• Optical Expertise: Deep expertise in coherent optical module firmware (400ZR, 800ZR, or equivalent) and associated industry standards (OIF-400ZR, C-CMIS, CMIS 4.x/5.x).
• Infrastructure Design: Strong background in bootloader design, firmware upgrade mechanisms (including hitless/in-service upgrades), and flash management.
• Platform Knowledge: Comprehensive experience with SoC-based embedded platforms (MCU/DSP-based architectures).
• Technical Stack: Proficiency in C/C++ firmware development and Python-based test/automation scripting.
• Program Delivery: Demonstrated ability to own and deliver complex programs end-to-end — from alpha bring-up through GA release and production support.
• Debugging & Lab Skills: Strong debugging skills across hardware/firmware boundaries; hands‑on experience with lab bench bring‑up, ATE integration, and field issue resolution.
• Tools & Workflows: Solid experience utilizing Jira, GitLab, and CI/CD-based firmware release flows.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively with customers, hardware engineers, and DSP teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working directly at an optical module company or an optical semiconductor company.
• Familiarity with leading optical or coherent DSP platforms (or industry equivalents).
• A strong background in calibration and control algorithms for optical components (such as EDFA, MZ, TOSA, etc.).