{"id":37036,"url":"https://alion.io/job/western-digital-principal-technologist-firmware-engineer","title":"Principal / Technologist Firmware Engineer","company":{"id":8924,"name":"Western Digital","domain":"wdc.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/wdc","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"SmartRecruiters","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":76,"open_postings":25,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.96,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":37,"computed_at":"2026-10-28T05:59:10Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Shenzhen, China"],"countries":["CN"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":49000,"max_usd":112000,"period":"year","method":"global_role_cell_scaled_by_country","sample_n":796},"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"C#","optional":false},{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"CI/CD","optional":false},{"name":"CMake","optional":false},{"name":"Git","optional":false},{"name":"Linux","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"Qt","optional":false},{"name":"RTOS","optional":false},{"name":"Verilog","optional":false},{"name":"VHDL","optional":false},{"name":"Agile","optional":true},{"name":"Scrum","optional":true},{"name":"SystemVerilog","optional":true},{"name":"UVM","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-08-03T01:59:30Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-08-03","last_verified_at":"2026-10-28T14:44:05Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":86,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":86},"description":"WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.\nAs AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.\nWe combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.\nThis isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.\nWe’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.\nJoin us and let’s shape the future of data.\n Role Overview\nWe are seeking a highly skilled Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our engineering team. This role demands a seasoned professional with deep technical mastery across the full embedded stack - from low-level bare-metal firmware through RTOS-based systems to Linux kernel and application-layer development. The ideal candidate bridges hardware and software domains fluently, bringing hands-on FPGA development experience alongside proven capability in upper-computer (PC/host-side) software. This is a senior individual contributor role requiring independent technical judgment, architectural thinking, and the ability to drive complex projects from concept to production.\nKey Responsibilities\nArchitect, develop, debug, and optimize firmware and software for embedded platforms spanning bare-metal, RTOS, and embedded Linux environments\nWrite and maintain board support packages (BSPs), bootloaders, peripheral drivers, and hardware abstraction layers for microcontrollers and SoCs\nDevelop and maintain Linux kernel modules, device drivers, device-tree configurations, and root filesystem customization for embedded Linux targets\nDesign, implement, and verify FPGA logic (Verilog/VHDL); collaborate with hardware teams on FPGA-based prototyping, signal processing pipelines, or custom peripheral integration; develop and debug firmware-FPGA interfaces\nDevelop host-side applications (C/C++, Python, C#, or Qt-based) for device communication, data acquisition, test automation, calibration tools, and production diagnostics\nLead board bring-up activities, integrate software/firmware/FPGA components, and drive system-level debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and protocol analyzers\nProfile and optimize system performance (latency, throughput, memory footprint, power consumption); implement robust error handling, watchdog strategies, and fault-tolerant designs\nProvide architectural guidance and code reviews; mentor junior engineers; establish coding standards, documentation practices, and development workflows for the embedded team\nWork closely with hardware, mechanical, test, and product teams to translate system requirements into embedded software specifications and deliver integrated solutions\nB.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline\n8+ years of professional embedded software/firmware development experience\nDeep proficiency in C/C++ for resource-constrained targets; extensive experience with at least one commercial or open-source RTOS; solid understanding of real-time scheduling, interrupt handling, synchronization primitives, and deterministic timing\nDemonstrated experience with Linux kernel internals - driver development, kernel module programming, user-space/kernel-space interfaces (ioctl, sysfs, netlink), and cross-compilation toolchains\nHands-on development in Verilog or VHDL targeting Xilinx and/or Intel (Altera) platforms; familiarity with synthesis, timing closure, simulation, and on-chip debug (ILA/SignalTap)\nProven track record building PC-side applications for embedded device interaction - serial/USB/Ethernet communication stacks, GUI or CLI tools, and automated test frameworks\nExpert-level use of JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes; proficiency with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and build systems (Make, CMake, Yocto/Buildroot)\nStrong technical writing and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear design documents, interface specifications, and technical reports\nProficient in English verbal communication; able to effectively collaborate and conduct technical discussions across cross-functional and cross-regional teams\nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience with high-speed interfaces: PCIe, USB 3.x, Ethernet (including RGMII/SGMII), or MIPI\nFamiliarity with hardware description and verification methodologies (SystemVerilog, UVM) or High-Level Synthesis (HLS)\nExperience with signal/image processing algorithms implemented in firmware or FPGA fabric\nProficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and rapid prototyping\nExperience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies in a hardware-software co-development environment\nFamiliarity with storage systems, motor control, or industrial/IoT domains is a plus\nAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.\nWD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.\nWD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at  to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.\nNotice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. 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