Firmware Architect

HP•Houston, TX

About The Position

Firmware Architect Description - The Security and Software Architecture Team (SSAT) designs and architects' security across the platform stack, from above‑the‑OS software to below‑the‑OS firmware and foundational platform technologies such as BIOS/UEFI and embedded controllers. The team drives security innovation by embedding secure design principles early, enabling scalable, resilient platform security that improves product quality and customer trust. Job Summary This role is responsible for overseeing the design, development, and optimization of embedded software and firmware for hardware products. The role contributes innovative ideas and leads large cross-functional teams, exercising independent judgment to solve unique and complex problems impacting the business. The role acts as a functional manager within area of expertise, developing strategy and setting functional policy and direction. The role provides mentorship and guidance to lower-level employees, thus, ensuring the realization of operational and strategic plans.

Requirements

x86 architecture and platform initialization.
UEFI/BIOS development and standards.
Firmware-level security methodologies (secure boot, cryptography, threat modeling).
C programming for low-level systems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication skills for technical and executive audiences.
Four-year or Graduate Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or any other related discipline or commensurate work experience or demonstrated competence.
Typically has 10+ years of firmware experience, or a related field.
Impacts large functions and leads large, cross-division functional teams or projects.
Provides highly innovative solutions to complex problems within established policy.

Responsibilities

Leads the preparation and creation of instructional technical manuscripts for firmware operation.
Reviews firmware code, provides technical feedback, and ensures adherence to coding standards and best practices.
Manages resources to complete programming projects, and designs detailed plans to ensure firmware is functioning properly.
Leads multiple project teams of other software firmware engineers and internal and outsourced development partners responsible for all stages of design and development for complex products and platforms.
Works with product architects, firmware teams, product managers and provides critical guidance, system-level debugging and troubleshooting to various teams, as a Subject Matter Expert.
Reviews and evaluates designs and project activities for compliance with systems design and development guidelines and standards; provides tangible feedback to improve product quality and mitigate failure risk.
Manages and expands relationships with internal and outsourced development partners on firmware design and development.
Serves as an expert on all firmware related topics and acts as overall firmware leadership to provide perspective to cross- organization projects, programs, and activities.
Drives innovation and integration of new technologies into projects and activities in the firmware design organization.
Mentors less-experienced software firmware engineers and help guide them to successful deliverables.
Define and maintain the firmware based security features for x86-based platforms.
Integrate security principles into firmware design, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Drive innovation and adoption of new technologies in firmware and security architecture.
Documenting designs and specifications
Design and implement firmware components, including BIOS/UEFI modules, EFI drivers, and low-level hardware interfaces.
Write efficient, maintainable code in C for firmware subsystems.
Develop automated testing strategies for firmware validation and security assurance.
Apply advanced security architecture methodologies to protect firmware integrity and resilience.
Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for firmware components.
Collaborate with security teams to implement secure boot, cryptographic protections, and firmware update mechanisms.
Work closely with hardware engineers, OS teams, and security architects to ensure seamless integration.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
Participate in cross-functional initiatives and represent firmware architecture in strategic discussions.