Firmware Engineer

*Company Overview* Apply fast, check the full description by scrolling below to find out the full requirements for this role. Virtium is a trusted leader in the design and manufacturing of high-reliability industrial modular hardware solutions which enable embedded computing system manufacturers to get to market more quickly, with lower development risk, and to benefit from a streamlined supply chain. Virtium's products include computer systems-on-module (SOMs), AI SOMs with on-board AI accelerator hardware, industrial-grade SSDs, industrial-grade DDR memory modules and wireless connectivity modules. With over 25 years of experience, Virtium has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality products that meet the demanding requirements of global customers in industries such as networking, telecommunications, aerospace and defense, industrial OEMs, and embedded markets. Virtium's commitment to innovation, long-term product availability, and customer support has made it a preferred partner for companies requiring mission-critical Edge AI system solutions. This is a great opportunity to join a growing organization based Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. *Job Overview* Virtium is seeking a Senior SSD Firmware & Systems Engineer with direct, hands-on experience in SSD firmware, storage systems, and system-level validation. This role requires prior work on SSD products, firmware configuration, and low-level debugging across firmware, hardware, and Linux operating systems *Duties* * Act as the primary technical interface with SSD vendors * Define and review SSD specifications to meet product requirements * Evaluate and approve firmware and hardware designs from suppliers * Drive design discussions and ensure alignment with system-level requirements * Configure and enable SSD features to meet product and customer needs * Customize SSD behavior through firmware settings and system-level controls * Perform system integration testing and validation in Linux environments * Diagnose and resolve issues across firmware, hardware, and system layers * Lead root-cause analysis for field and production issues * Provide technical support for deployed products at customer sites * Debug and resolve SSD-related issues in production environments * Work with suppliers to drive fixes and improvements * Interface directly with customers to understand issues and requirements * Support field escalations and communicate technical solutions effectively * Flexibility to travel as needed to Bay area in California and once a year to Vietnam *Qualifications* * Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering * 7+ years of *hands-on SSD firmware or storage system experience* * Direct experience writing or modifying *firmware in C/C++* * Strong understanding of *SSD firmware architecture and storage protocols (NVMe, SATA)* * Experience debugging issues across *firmware, hardware, and Linux OS layers* *Preferred Qualifications* * Experience working with SSD vendors or external suppliers * Expertise in SSD protocols (e.g., NVMe, SATA) * Linux, Debug/problem solving * Experience with system integration and validation * Customer-facing or field support experience * Strong communication skills * Fluency in Vietnamese is a plus, not required *Role Scope* * Not responsible for developing SSD firmware from scratch * Not a pure coding role * Focused on supplier interface, validation, configuration and customer support * Resumes should clearly demonstrate prior experience with SSD firmware, storage systems, or hardware-adjacent engineering. * Resumes focused primarily on backend, web, cloud, or AI software development will not be considered. *Additional Information:* * *Location: *Rancho Santa Margarita, CA onsite full time Monday to Friday * *Department: *Engineering * *Compensation Range: starting salary $120,000+* * *Reports to: *Reports to: Sr. Director of Engineering *Equal Opportunity Statement* * Virtium is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Pay: From $120,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) 3% Match * Dental insurance * Employee assistance program * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid parental leave * Paid time off * Parental leave * Professional development assistance * Tuition reimbursement * Vision insurance Application Question(s): * Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa sponsorship)? * We are open to local candidates at this time as a relocation package is not included for this role. xxoysbn Do you live in the Orange County, CA area? Language: * English (Required) * Vietnamese (Preferred) Ability to Commute: * Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 (Required) Work Location: In person