> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1233518-senior-principal-engineer-software-firmware](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1233518-senior-principal-engineer-software-firmware). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Principal Engineer (Software/Firmware) - **Company:** I8IS INC. - **Location:** Santa Clara, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $200,000.0 - $260,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** JIRA, Booting (BIOS), C++ (Programming Language), Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Embedded Software, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Release Management, Scripting, Gitlab - **Published:** July 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=15b8ec5467c59c36 ## About the Role * Experience: 15+ years in embedded software/firmware architecture, design, and implementation. * Core Expertise: Deep, hands-on experience in coherent optical module firmware and SoC-based embedded platforms. * Technical Skills: Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ firmware development and Python-based scripting. * System Knowledge: Strong background in bootloader design and debugging. * Tools & Flow: Proficiency with Jira, GitLab, and CI/CD-based release flows. ## Description * Firmware Lifecycle Management: Manage firmware for coherent optical modules, including bring-up, calibration, validation, and production release. * Feature Design: Architect and implement features including hitless firmware upgrades, bootloader design, and hardware adaptation layers. * Collaboration: Work closely with DSP, hardware, ATE, and test engineering teams to ensure seamless integration. * Customer & Technical Support: Act as a technical expert to respond to customer inquiries and debug complex field issues across hardware/firmware boundaries. ## Related Videos - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Modern DevOps for IoT Devices and More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1805-wearedevelopers-live-modern-devops-for-iot-devices-and-more) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Are Code Reviews Worth It? Insights from 16 Years of Review Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1135-are-code-reviews-worth-it-insights-from-16-years-of-review-data) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [The Best Software Developer Blogs to Read](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/156-the-best-software-developer-blogs-to-read) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know)