Senior Principal Firmware Engineer

Job Title

Senior Principal Firmware Engineer

Role Summary

Develop firmware for high-speed Die-to-Die and UCIe physical-layer IPs. Work with digital and mixed-signal architects to define, implement, verify, and deploy firmware features across design, simulation/emulation, and post-silicon validation.

Experience Level

Senior-level. The role expects an experienced engineer (guidance from posting: B.Tech + ~14 years or M.Tech + ~12 years of relevant experience).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include firmware architecture, implementation, validation, and customer support for high-speed PHY/IP products.

• Collaborate with UCIe PHY digital and mixed-signal architects to define firmware functions and sequences.
• Design and implement firmware features and control sequences for adaptation, equalization, and other link control algorithms.
• Build system-level prototype control software to develop and validate algorithms.
• Validate firmware in emulation models and simulations; work with verification and validation teams to ensure robustness.
• Support electrical and system characterization during post-silicon testing; identify firmware/hardware issues and provide fixes or workarounds.
• Assist Product Engineering and customers with debugging and hot-fix delivery during IP deployment.
• Create and maintain firmware design, test, and compliance documentation.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items noted.

• Must: Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python.
• Must: Solid understanding of wireline communication principles and digital signal processing techniques.
• Must: Proven experience developing for hardware-based DSP acceleration engines.
• Must: Strong problem solving and communication skills.
• Preferred: Experience with silicon validation, post-silicon debug, or electrical characterization.
• Preferred: Experience with digital verification environments and tools.

Education Requirements

Degrees: B.Tech in Electrical/Electronics Engineering (with ~14 years relevant experience) or M.Tech in Electrical/Electronics Engineering (with ~12 years relevant experience) as stated in the posting.

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.