Staff Firmware Engineer

Job Title

Staff Firmware Engineer

Role Summary

Design and implement firmware for optical communication products, focusing on microcontroller-based embedded systems and low-level hardware integration. Work with cross-functional hardware and software teams to deliver reliable, production-ready firmware and support failure analysis.

Experience Level

Senior — minimum 8 years of experience in the related industry; staff-level responsibility for independent firmware development for mass-production products.

Responsibilities

Primary duties include firmware development, hardware integration, and support for lab investigation and production.

• Design and implement firmware for microcontrollers and embedded platforms (e.g., STM32, ESP32).
• Develop low-level drivers (GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, PWM) and integrate peripherals.
• Implement real-time OS-based firmware (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar).
• Ensure robust communication between hardware modules and higher-level software.
• Create and maintain design documents (memory maps, register files) and test reports.
• Develop GUI tools for firmware debugging and lab investigations.
• Perform firmware-related troubleshooting, failure analysis, and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with software and hardware engineers to integrate firmware with application layers.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, tools, and domain knowledge.

• Proficiency with microcontrollers and embedded firmware development.
• Experience writing low-level drivers (GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, PWM, etc.).
• Experience with real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr.
• Familiarity with debugging tools: JTAG, SWD, in-circuit debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, spectrum analyzers.
• Knowledge of firmware flashing/updating methods and version control practices.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory design: IEEE 802.3, OIF, MSA, CMIS.
• Good analog and digital circuit design experience and understanding of electronic components (MCUs, ASICs, sensors, laser drivers, TEC controllers, regulators).
• Experience with semiconductor lasers for optical communications applications.
• Strong failure analysis and root-cause investigation skills with practical improvement solutions.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English and Mandarin; well organized and able to take responsibility for deliverables.

Education Requirements

BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photoelectric, Computer Engineering, Telecommunication, or a related field.

About the Company

Company: Lumentum

Headquarters: Milpitas, California, United States

Lumentum develops optical and photonic products and subsystems for telecommunications, data centers, cloud computing and industrial applications, providing lasers, modulators, transceivers and test solutions that enable high-speed networking and advanced photonics.