Sr SSD Test and Validation Engineer

DigiStor; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

DigiStor is seeking an experienced SSD validation engineer in Austin to own testing across client and enterprise platforms. You will design meaningful tests, investigate anomalies and produce evidence to support release decisions.

This hands-on role requires Linux expertise, Bash and Python scripting, and the ability to work with firmware teams to validate configurations, run sustained workloads, and produce clear reports.

Job description

About DigiStor

DigiStor develops secure data-at-rest storage solutions for enterprise, edge and sensitive computing environments. Our engineering teams bring together SSD technology, firmware and security to deliver storage that customers can depend on.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced engineer to own SSD testing and validation across client and enterprise platforms. You will use your knowledge of NAND, controllers and firmware to design meaningful tests, investigate unexpected behavior and produce evidence that supports product release decisions.

This is a hands-on individual contributor role. You will work with DigiStor engineering and technology partners, develop Linux-based automation and help junior testers improve their methods.

This role is in-office with some flexibility. This person needs to be located in or near Austin, TX as the role will require travel to DigiStor testing locations. The role requires regular access to physical hardware; the ongoing work location and onsite expectations will be agreed during recruitment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop test plans with clear acceptance criteria and coverage for functionality, performance, data integrity, endurance, compatibility and regression testing.
• Build and maintain Bash and Python automation for workload execution, log collection, result analysis and repeatable reporting.
• Validate firmware and drive configurations through sustained workloads, power cycles, sleep and resume, thermal testing and error recovery scenarios.
• Control workload settings, drive preconditioning and host configuration. Measure throughput, IOPS and latency distributions, and distinguish drive behavior from test limitations.
• Investigate failures using Linux system logs, NVMe health and error logs, telemetry and vendor firmware diagnostics. Create reliable reproduction procedures.
• Work with controller and firmware partners to investigate defects, validate proposed fixes and establish regression coverage before recommending release.
• Produce clear reports covering objectives, methods, configuration, pass or fail results, anomalies and recommended follow-up. Communicate unresolved risks promptly.
• Maintain traceable records of drive samples, NAND and controller variants, firmware, BIOS, operating systems, tools and scripts used in each test.
• Improve validation procedures and reusable test libraries, review test evidence and mentor junior engineers in troubleshooting and reporting.

Required experience and capabilities

• Demonstrated experience in SSD validation, storage testing or drive failure analysis, with the ability to plan and execute investigations independently.
• Strong knowledge of NAND and SSD controllers, and how firmware manages the flash translation layer, wear leveling, garbage collection, error correction and endurance.
• Strong Linux skills, including system configuration, storage administration, device inspection, permissions, processes and kernel or system log analysis.
• Proficient Bash and Python scripting skills, including reliable error handling, automation and structured processing of test results.
• Practical knowledge of NVMe and PCIe, including drive interaction with host platforms, BIOS, drivers and operating systems.
• Experience with test design, controlled comparisons, regression testing and tools such as fio, nvme-cli and smartctl. Ability to define reproducible pass or fail criteria.
• Clear technical writing and sound troubleshooting judgment. A relevant engineering or computing degree, or equivalent practical experience.

Additional experience we value

• Experience with client or enterprise SSD suppliers, controller vendors or OEM qualification programs.
• Familiarity with self-encrypting drives, TCG Opal, secure firmware updates or security-focused storage validation.
• Experience with power loss protection, endurance characterization, thermal behavior, NVMe management interfaces or PCIe diagnostic equipment.
• Use of Git, automated test frameworks, CI workflows, Windows diagnostics or performance analysis across multiple operating systems.

What success looks like

Test plans cover the relevant product risks and produce repeatable results. Defects have usable reproduction procedures and complete evidence. Firmware changes are supported by regression results, and release recommendations clearly explain remaining limitations.

We are currently not accepting unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms.

DigiStor is committed to building an inclusive working environment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, role requirements, and individual qualifications.