Software Development Engineer, Nitro SSD (AWS)

Amazon; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 165,200 - 223,600; Full time

Job summary

Amazon in Cupertino, CA is seeking a SSD Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and support firmware for NAND-based SSDs. You will lead firmware development from concept through validation to production, collaborating with AWS software engineers and external partners.

This role offers impact on performance, reliability, and cost for millions of AWS customers, with ownership over implementation and visibility into product improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 3+ years of non‑internship professional software development experience.
• 3+ years of non‑internship design or architecture experience (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems.
• 3+ years of computer science fundamentals (object‑oriented design, data structures, algorithm design, problem solving and complexity analysis) experience.
• Experience with full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations.
• 3+ years of embedded firmware development experience.

Responsibilities

• Work backward from customer input and storage product requirements to design, plan, and build SSD product, focusing on NAND and SoC integration.
• Deliver SSD firmware design and code while working closely with a diverse team of engineers.
• Own innovation on architecture and design.
• Work with external vendors and partner teams to collaborate on firmware development.
• Work closely with Hardware, Software, Firmware, and validation teams to drive product integration.
• Build at‑scale operational excellence into product development and deployment practices.
• Deliver using Agile/Scrum development methodology and software development practices.

Skills

Embedded firmware development

Software development life cycle

Object-oriented design

Data structures

Algorithms

Source control

Build and test processes

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

AWS Hardware Engineering Services support all AWS data centers, ensuring continuous access to the innovation customers rely on. This role places you within a diverse team of engineers, supply chain specialists, and security experts who collaborate across AWS to deliver high‑standard safety, security, and low‑cost capacity.

The SSD Firmware Engineer designs, develops, and supports firmware for AWS‑specific non‑volatile memory devices such as NAND‑based SSDs. You will lead firmware development from conception through validation to production, working closely with AWS software engineers and external partners.

This position offers direct impact on performance, reliability, and cost for millions of AWS customers, with ownership over implementation and visibility into product improvements.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Work backward from customer input and storage product requirements to design, plan, and build SSD product, focusing on NAND and SoC integration.
• Deliver SSD firmware design and code while working closely with a diverse team of engineers.
• Own innovation on architecture and design.
• Work with external vendors and partner teams to collaborate on firmware development.
• Work closely with Hardware, Software, Firmware, and validation teams to drive product integration.
• Build at‑scale operational excellence into product development and deployment practices.
• Deliver using Agile/Scrum development methodology and software development practices.

A Day in the Life

• Participate in sprint and operational standups.
• Design and develop firmware for production and validation.
• Lead Design Reviews and technical discussions.
• Lead cross‑team technical collaborations.
• Drive integrations and deployment at‑scale.
• Report progress and updates for Leadership review.
• 1:1s with leadership team and key partners.
• Audit quality and identify production improvements.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 3+ years of non‑internship professional software development experience.
• 3+ years of non‑internship design or architecture experience (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems.
• 3+ years of computer science fundamentals (object‑oriented design, data structures, algorithm design, problem solving and complexity analysis) experience.
• Experience with full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations.
• 3+ years of embedded firmware development experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of full software development life cycle experience, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent.
• Deep understanding of SSD hardware architecture and SSD concepts such as wear‑leveling, garbage collection, etc.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience developing firmware for SSD and other related storage devices.
• High‑level understanding of NAND technology including NAND structure, 3D NAND, NAND failure mode and standard management policy.
• High‑level understanding of storage technologies and associated block interface protocols.
• Meets/exceeds Amazon’s leadership principles requirements for this role.
• Meets/exceeds Amazon’s functional/technical depth and complexity for this role.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: 165,200.00 – 223,600.00 USD annually in Cupertino, CA.

Salary: 143,700.00 – 194,400.00 USD annually in Seattle, WA.

Your Amazon package will include sign‑on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. For more information about benefits, visit https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer

Amazon is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County Employment Information

Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.