Bios Firmware Engineer

Actalent•Fremont, CA

32d•$120,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Bios Firmware Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, development, and debugging of UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) firmware for computer systems. This role focuses exclusively on the firmware that initializes hardware and boots the operating system, ensuring compatibility, security, and performance from power-on. It emphasizes not only hands-on technical expertise but also leadership in guiding projects and supporting team members. This position is part of the Engineering Services team, which works across departments to support the engineering and operation teams with technical expertise in electronics, operational software, and systems integration.

Requirements

Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems.
In-depth knowledge of UEFI architecture (EDK2 framework), architecture, and system boot processes.
Solid understanding of hardware interfaces such as PCIe, SPI, I2C, and USB.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with demonstrated ability to work independently.
Proven leadership skills, including mentoring, guiding projects, or leading initiatives.
Experience with scripting languages such as Python for automation.
Knowledge of firmware security standards (e.g., NIST SP 800-193, Secure Boot).
Experience with low-level debugging of boot-related issues.
Understanding of System Management Mode (SMM), Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), Intel Firmware Support Package (FSP), or Intel Firmware Image (IFWI).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Minimum of 2+ years of BIOS/UEFI firmware development experience with demonstrated leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain UEFI/BIOS firmware using C and C++.
Contribute to all phases of the UEFI boot process, including Security (SEC), Pre-EFI Initialization (PEI), and Driver Execution Environment (DXE).
Lead efforts in hardware bring-up for new platforms, debugging complex hardware-firmware interactions across CPU, memory, and peripheral devices.
Ensure correct initialization of key system hardware such as DDR memory, PCIe, SATA, USB, and other interfaces.
Optimize boot performance and implement firmware security measures such as Secure Boot, Intel Boot Guard, and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) integration.
Collaborate with hardware engineers to interpret schematics and datasheets and ensure accurate hardware configuration.
Use debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, in-circuit emulators, logic analyzers) for troubleshooting.
Participate in and provide leadership during code reviews, write technical documentation, and mentor junior engineers.
Work cross-functionally with hardware, operating system, and security teams to ensure system compatibility and reliability.