Senior Principal Firmware Engineer - Optical Connectivity & Embedded Systems

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Principal Firmware Engineer to lead the development of next-generation firmware solutions for advanced optical connectivity products. This role is ideal for a technical leader with deep expertise in coherent optical modules, embedded firmware architecture, and SoC-based platforms. The successful candidate will drive firmware development across multiple product generations, collaborating closely with hardware, DSP, validation, and customer-facing teams to deliver industry-leading optical networking solutions., * Own firmware development for coherent optical module programs from architecture and design through production release.

• Lead program-level firmware activities including system bring-up, calibration, validation, and customer delivery milestones.
• Design and implement advanced firmware capabilities such as:
• Hitless/In-Service Firmware Upgrades
• CMIS-compliant management interfaces
• Bootloader architectures
• Calibration and control engines
• Hardware abstraction and adaptation layers
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with hardware, DSP, manufacturing test (ATE), validation, and systems engineering teams.
• Investigate and resolve complex hardware/firmware integration issues.
• Support customer engagements by troubleshooting field issues, addressing technical inquiries, and delivering firmware solutions aligned with customer requirements.
• Contribute to broader firmware platform architecture, release processes, development tools, and shared infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to firmware engineers across the organization.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in embedded software/firmware architecture, design, and development.
• Deep expertise in coherent optical module firmware (400ZR, 800ZR, ZR+, or equivalent technologies).
• Strong understanding of optical networking standards including:
• OIF-400ZR
• CMIS 4.x/5.x
• C-CMIS
• Extensive experience with:
• Bootloader design
• Firmware upgrade frameworks
• Hitless/In-Service firmware updates
• Flash memory management
• Hands-on experience with SoC-based embedded platforms utilizing MCU and DSP architectures.
• Strong programming skills in C and C++.
• Experience developing Python-based automation, validation, and test frameworks.
• Proven ability to deliver products through the complete lifecycle, from early development and bring-up through production release and post-release support.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills across firmware, hardware, and system boundaries.
• Experience with:
• Lab bring-up and validation
• Automated Test Equipment (ATE) integration
• Field issue investigation and resolution
• Proficiency with modern development tools and processes, including:
• GitLab
• Jira
• CI/CD pipelines
• Firmware release management
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with technical and customer-facing teams., * Prior experience working for an optical module, networking, or optical semiconductor company.
• Familiarity with coherent DSP platforms and optical connectivity solutions.
• Experience developing calibration and control algorithms for optical components such as:
• EDFAs
• Mach-Zehnder Modulators (MZ)
• TOSA/ROSA subsystems
• Experience supporting hyperscale cloud, telecom, or carrier-class networking environments., The ideal candidate is a hands-on firmware architect and technical leader who combines deep optical networking expertise with strong embedded systems knowledge. They have successfully delivered multiple generations of coherent optical products, excel at solving complex system-level challenges, and thrive in highly collaborative engineering environments.