Software Development Engineer (Firmware)
About The Position
WDC is a leading innovator in Enterprise Storage. We are looking for a passionate and skilled Firmware Engineer to join our advanced development team in Irvine, CA. In this role, you'll design and ship embedded firmware for our latest generation technologies that powers enterprise storage products—writing C/C++ code that directly impacts how data centers and cloud infrastructure perform. You will act as a key player in driving innovation, reliability, and performance improvements across our storage solutions portfolio. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Dive into building the next generation of heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology. Unleash your creativity and technical skills on new designs. Assist in designing, developing, and testing firmware solutions Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., hardware engineers, validation teams, and architects) to define firmware requirements and deliver products in alignment with project goals. Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C/C++ or other relevant languages. Perform system-level debugging to analyze and resolve firmware issues impacting product performance or operational reliability. Conduct and participate in testing sessions to ensure firmware performance and reliability. Develop Python scripts for test automation, log parsing, and data checks. Contribute to the development of technical documentation, architecture designs, and code reviews to support the lifecycle of firmware projects. Utilize AI-assisted coding tools to enhance firmware coding efficiency and gain insights into advanced debugging methodologies.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing or recently completed BS/MS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Strong C++ coding skills – comfortable writing, debugging, and testing embedded software.
- Python familiarity – can write scripts for testing and data analysis.
- Embedded systems fundamentals – understand how software interacts with hardware.
- Understanding of microcontrollers, peripherals, and interface protocols (e.g., UART).
- Familiarity with software testing practices and test-driven development.
- Experience or willingness to learn AI-assisted coding and development tools.
- Experience with version control tools like Git.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Curiosity – you ask "why" and dig into how things work
- Tenacity – you don't give up when faced with difficult problems
- Motivation – you want to learn fast and deliver real impact
Nice To Haves
- Prior internship or project experience in firmware or embedded systems is highly desirable.
- Basic understanding of RTOS concepts
- Experience using debugging tools such as JTAG, ICE, bus analyzers and/or oscilloscopes and experience troubleshooting complex system issues.
Responsibilities
- Assist in designing, developing, and testing firmware solutions
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., hardware engineers, validation teams, and architects) to define firmware requirements and deliver products in alignment with project goals.
- Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C/C++ or other relevant languages.
- Perform system-level debugging to analyze and resolve firmware issues impacting product performance or operational reliability.
- Conduct and participate in testing sessions to ensure firmware performance and reliability.
- Develop Python scripts for test automation, log parsing, and data checks.
- Contribute to the development of technical documentation, architecture designs, and code reviews to support the lifecycle of firmware projects.
- Utilize AI-assisted coding tools to enhance firmware coding efficiency and gain insights into advanced debugging methodologies.
Benefits
- paid vacation time
- paid sick leave
- medical/dental/vision insurance
- life, accident and disability insurance
- tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
- employee assistance program
- other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity
- tuition reimbursement
- transit
- the Applause Program
- employee stock purchase plan
- the WD Savings 401(k) Plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
