Firmware Development Engineer

Job Title

Firmware Development Engineer

Role Summary

Develop and optimize embedded firmware for memory interface PHYs (DDR/LPDDR/HBM) within Synopsys' IP Group firmware team in Ottawa. The role focuses on runtime performance, reliability, hardware/software integration, and support for silicon bring-up and customer deployments.

Experience Level

Mid-level. No explicit years-of-experience requirement stated.

Responsibilities

The role combines firmware implementation, low-level profiling, hardware debug, and collaboration across hardware, verification, and customer teams.

• Design, implement, and optimize embedded firmware for DDR/LPDDR/HBM PHY training and runtime operation.
• Profile and optimize low-level code execution on ARC processors to reduce training runtime.
• Integrate firmware with silicon testchips and collaborate with hardware teams to analyze RTL waveforms and debug issues in the lab.
• Study JEDEC-defined training algorithms and propose high-level and implementation optimizations.
• Apply modeling and data-driven techniques to improve training accuracy and workflow efficiency.
• Support customers by troubleshooting interface and performance issues in real-world systems.
• Document development processes, participate in code reviews, and contribute to firmware best practices.

Requirements

Key technical requirements and desirable skills. Degree details are in the Education Requirements section below.

• Must-have: Proficiency in C for embedded firmware and strong understanding of low-level system interactions.
• Must-have: Experience analyzing and debugging RTL waveforms and hands-on hardware/software integration experience.
• Must-have: Experience working in a Linux development environment and familiarity with common development utilities.
• Must-have: Familiarity with scripting (Python) for automation and tooling.
• Nice-to-have: Knowledge of Verilog; Verilog-A is a bonus.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with virtual prototyping and/or emulation.
• Nice-to-have: Prior exposure to profiling on ARC processors or similar embedded cores.
• Asset: Understanding of DDR/LPDDR/HBM memory interfaces and JEDEC standards.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline (explicitly stated).

About the Company

Company: Synopsys

Headquarters: Mountain View, California, USA

Synopsys is a leading company in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP solutions. It provides tools and services for designing and verifying complex semiconductor devices and systems. The company plays a pivotal role in the semiconductor industry, helping engineers innovate and deliver higher-quality products faster. Synopsys is committed to advancing technology standards and offers a range of software and hardware solutions to its clients globally.