Senior Principal Firmware Engineer

Phizenix; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Phizenix is searching for a Senior Principal Firmware Engineer to join their Optical Connectivity firmware team in Santa Clara, California. This role requires deep expertise in embedded firmware, focusing on coherent optical modules.

The successful candidate will own firmware development, lead cross-functional teams, and mentor other engineers. A strong background in bootloader design and extensive experience in firmware architecture is essential. Compensation ranges from $200,000 to $250,000 USD annually.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in embedded software/firmware architecture and design.
• Deep expertise in coherent optical module firmware.
• Strong background in bootloader design and upgrade mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Own firmware development for coherent optical module programs.
• Lead program-level firmware efforts from architecture through release.
• Design and implement advanced firmware features.

Skills

Embedded software/firmware architecture

Coherent optical module firmware

C/C++ firmware development

Python scripting

Debugging skills

Tools

Jira

GitLab

CI/CD processes

Job description

What You Can Expect

We are looking for a Senior Principal Firmware Engineer to join a client’s Optical Connectivity firmware team in Santa Clara. This is a highly technical individual contributor role with broad program ownership across 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.

What You'll Do

• Own firmware development for coherent optical module programs (e.g., 400ZR/ZR+, 800ZR), from architecture through production release.
• Lead program‑level firmware efforts, including bring‑up, calibration, validation, and customer delivery milestones.
• Design and implement advanced firmware features such as hitless firmware upgrade, CMIS compliance, bootloader architecture, calibration and control engines, and hardware adaptation layers.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration with DSP, hardware, ATE, and test engineering teams to resolve complex system‑level issues.
• Support customer engagements — respond to technical inquiries, debug field issues, and deliver firmware solutions that meet hyperscaler and carrier requirements.
• Contribute to firmware architecture decisions across the broader optics firmware platform, including shared infrastructure, tooling, and release processes.
• Mentor and guide other engineers on the team; serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert.

What We're Looking For

• 15+ years of experience in embedded software/firmware architecture, design, and implementation.
• Deep expertise in coherent optical module firmware (400ZR, 800ZR, or equivalent) and associated standards (OIF‑400ZR, C‑CMIS, CMIS 4.x/5.x).
• Strong background in bootloader design, firmware upgrade mechanisms (including hitless/in‑service upgrade), and flash management.
• Experience with SoC‑based embedded platforms (MCU/DSP‑based architectures).
• Proficiency in C/C++ firmware development and Python‑based test/automation scripting.
• Demonstrated ability to own and deliver programs end‑to‑end— from alpha bring‑up through GA release and production support.
• Strong debugging skills across hardware/firmware boundaries; experience with lab bench bring‑up, ATE integration, and field issue resolution.
• Experience with Jira, GitLab, and CI/CD‑based firmware release flows.
• Excellent communication skills; able to work effectively with customers, hardware engineers, and DSP teams.
• Preferred: prior experience at an optical module company or optical semiconductor company.
• Familiarity with Marvell optical or coherent DSP platforms or equivalent.
• Background in calibration and control algorithms for optical components (EDFA, MZ, TOSA, etc.).

Compensation

$200,000 – $250,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employer

We invite applicants to share their demographic background. The survey is voluntary and will not be used in hiring decisions. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Voluntary Self‑Identification of Disability

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

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