Firmware Design Engineer (High-Speed SERDES PHY)

Job Title

Firmware Design Engineer (High-Speed SERDES PHY)

Role Summary

Join an IP development team responsible for physical IP for industry-standard high-speed serial-link protocols. The role covers firmware design for SERDES PHY across architecture, implementation, verification, post-silicon validation, and customer deployment.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Specific years of experience not provided.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include design, verification support, and field support for firmware controlling SERDES PHY.

• Contribute to firmware architecture and implement assigned firmware features.
• Work with verification teams to debug and resolve firmware issues found in simulations.
• Develop system-level prototype control software to validate adaptation, equalization, and control algorithms.
• Participate in post-silicon testing and validation; identify FW/HW functional and performance issues and implement firmware fixes.
• Support validation and electrical/system characterization activities.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering and Design teams to diagnose field issues and deliver hot fixes during customer deployment.
• Implement firmware-specific tests in cooperation with verification and validation teams.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and capabilities for the role.

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python.
• Understanding of wireline communication principles.
• Knowledge of mixed-signal circuit design and digital signal processing techniques.
• Familiarity with verification methodologies and languages (SystemVerilog, UVM).
• Experience debugging across firmware, RTL, and hardware; experience with post-silicon bring-up and validation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and clear communication.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience developing adaptation/equalization/control algorithms for SERDES.
• Prior work on IP development, customer deployment, or product engineering support.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's (BSc) or Master's (MSc) degree in Electrical Engineering is specified.

About the Company

Company: Cadence Design Systems

Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA

Cadence Design Systems is a global electronic design automation company that provides software, hardware, and intellectual property for designing advanced semiconductor chips. With over 25 years in the industry, Cadence is known for its innovative technology solutions and has been recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. The company is dedicated to solving complex technical challenges in order to enable customers to create revolutionary products and experiences.