Senior Principal Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Principal Firmware Engineer (coherent optical module firmware/SoC-based embedded platforms/CPO) to join our clients Optical Connectivity firmware team in Santa Clara. This pivotal individual contributor role involves end-to-end ownership of firmware development for next-generation coherent optical modules, including 400ZR, 400ZR+, and 800ZR platforms. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in embedded firmware for optical transceivers, a proven track record in leading multi-generation programs, and the ability to drive innovation across firmware, hardware, DSP, and customer-facing teams. You will shape firmware architecture, lead complex system bring-up and validation, and ensure robust, scalable solutions that meet the stringent demands of hyperscalers and global carriers. This role is critical to advancing our leadership in coherent optics and CPO-based embedded platforms.

Responsibilities:

• Lead firmware development lifecycle for coherent optical module programs—from architecture and alpha bring-up through production release and long-term support
  
• Design and implement advanced firmware capabilities including hitless firmware upgrades, CMIS compliance (CMIS 4.x/5.x), secure bootloader architecture, calibration and control engines, and hardware abstraction layers
  
• Own program-level milestones including system bring-up, calibration, validation, and customer delivery across multiple product generations
  
• Collaborate cross-functionally with DSP, hardware, ATE, and test engineering teams to resolve complex system-level issues and ensure seamless integration
  
• Engage directly with customers to address technical inquiries, debug field issues, and deliver firmware solutions aligned with hyperscaler and carrier requirements
  
• Contribute to long-term firmware platform strategy, including shared infrastructure, tooling, automation, and CI/CD-based release processes
  
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, serve as a technical authority, and drive best practices across the firmware organization
  

• Fifteen 15+ years of experience in embedded software/firmware architecture, design, and implementation for high-performance optical transceivers
  
• Deep expertise in coherent optical module firmware (400ZR, 800ZR, or equivalent) and compliance with industry standards (OIF-400ZR, C-CMIS, CMIS 4.x/5.x)
  
• Proven experience with SoC-based embedded platforms (MCU/DSP architectures) and firmware development in C/C++
  
• Strong background in bootloader design , flash management , and secure, hitless firmware upgrade mechanisms
  
• Proficiency in Python for test automation, scripting, and tooling development
  
• Demonstrated success in owning and delivering complex firmware programs from early bring-up to GA and production support
  
• Advanced debugging skills across hardware-firmware boundaries, including lab bench validation , ATE integration , and field issue resolution
  
• Experience with Jira, GitLab, and CI/CD pipelines for firmware development and release management
  
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with ability to interface effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders across global teams
  

Preferred:

• Prior experience at an optical module or optical semiconductor company
  
• Familiarity with coherent DSP platforms or equivalent
  
• Background in calibration and control algorithms for optical components (e.g., EDFA, MZ modulators, TOSA)