Software Development Engineer (Firmware)

Western Digital • Irvine, CA

3d

About The Position

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Why this role matters: You'll design and ship embedded firmware that powers enterprise storage products—writing C/C++ code that directly impacts how data centers and cloud infrastructure perform. Join our structured Early Career program where you'll learn our stack, deliver real features, and work alongside experienced firmware engineers.

Requirements

• Right to work in the US without requiring Western Digital to commence or sponsor an immigration case in order to employ you now or at any point in the future.
• Currently pursuing or recently completed an MS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Embedded systems fundamentals – understand how software interacts with hardware
• C++ coding experience – comfortable writing, debugging, and testing code
• Python familiarity – can write scripts or willing to learn

Nice To Haves

• If terms like ARM, microcontroller, Raspberry Pi, or Arduino excite you—not intimidate you—you're ready for this role.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement embedded system components using best-practice development methodologies
• Validate and maintain firmware – write tests, debug issues, ensure code quality before customer delivery
• Triage and resolve issues – perform first-level investigation on host and performance problems
• Collaborate with core firmware engineers – integrate code, participate in reviews, learn the full product lifecycle
• Own your assignments – after training, independently deliver tasks that ship to customers

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level