Principal Hardware Engineer, SSD

Job Title

Principal Hardware Engineer, SSD

Role Summary

Lead hardware engineering for next-generation SSD products, focusing on architecture, high-speed interface implementation, and system-level integration. Work with cross-functional teams across firmware, validation, manufacturing, reliability, and customer support to deliver production-ready SSD hardware.

Experience Level

Senior-level. The role expects experienced engineers (typical background: 5+ years of hardware build experience in SSD, storage, or high-performance computing systems).

Responsibilities

Accountable for end-to-end SSD hardware development, validation, and production support.

• Define system and board-level architecture; participate in requirements, build reviews, and product planning.
• Perform signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI) analysis, simulation, validation, and characterization.
• Design and validate PCB stack-ups, routing constraints, transmission methods, and PDN considerations.
• Build and validate hardware for high-volume manufacturing with DFx, cost, reliability, and quality tradeoffs.
• Lead board bring-up, worst-case analysis, component derating, and production support activities.
• Conduct lab debugging and validation using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and compliance equipment.
• Evaluate build proposals, perform engineering tradeoffs, and document/present recommendations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to early-career engineers and peers.
• Collaborate with firmware, validation, manufacturing, reliability, and customer support during development, qualification, and RMA investigations.
• Leverage automation and AI-based tools to accelerate development, validation, and debugging workflows.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience for successful performance in this role. Preferred items are noted.

• 5+ years of hardware build experience in SSD, storage, or high-performance computing systems.
• Strong background in high-speed interfaces and implementations: PCIe, DDR, ONFI, and related protocols.
• Expertise in signal integrity and power integrity engineering for high-performance systems.
• Hands-on laboratory debugging and validation experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and PCIe compliance equipment.
• Experience with high-speed PCB build, board-level routing reviews, PDN design, and EMI/ESD mitigation.
• Analog circuit modelling and simulation experience (SPICE or equivalent).
• Proficiency with schematic capture tools, PCB layout constraints, and board-level build verification.
• Proven ability to lead engineering projects and communicate technical results clearly.
• Experience in the semiconductor, storage, or related technology industries.
• Nice-to-have: familiarity with automated test methodologies and AI-assisted engineering tools to improve development and debugging.
• Nice-to-have: experience with PCIe Gen4/Gen5/Gen6, SSD controller/NAND/architecture, and DDR/ONFI subsystems.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is required, or equivalent practical experience. A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related subject is preferred.

About the Company

Company: Micron Technology

Headquarters: Boise, Idaho, USA

Micron Technology is a global leader in memory and storage solutions, dedicated to transforming how the world uses information. The company offers a diverse portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND, and NOR memory products under the Micron and Crucial brands. With a commitment to customer focus and technological innovation, Micron drives advancements in artificial intelligence, 5G, and other data-centric applications, empowering users to learn, communicate, and progress.