Sr SSD Test and Validation Engineer (Remote/Hybrid)

DigiStor • Austin, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

DigiStor is seeking an experienced engineer to own SSD testing and validation across client and enterprise platforms. The role uses knowledge of NAND, controllers, and firmware to design meaningful tests, investigate unexpected behavior, and produce evidence that supports product release decisions. It is a hands-on individual contributor position involving collaboration with DigiStor engineering and technology partners, development of Linux-based automation, and guidance for junior testers.

The role is remote/hybrid, but the candidate must be located in or near Austin, Texas, because travel to DigiStor testing locations is required. Regular access to physical hardware is necessary; ongoing work location and onsite expectations will be agreed during recruitment.

Successful performance means test plans address relevant product risks and yield repeatable results; defects have usable reproduction procedures and complete evidence; firmware changes are supported by regression results; and release recommendations clearly explain remaining limitations.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in SSD validation, storage testing, or drive failure analysis, with the ability to plan and execute investigations independently.
• Strong knowledge of NAND and SSD controllers, including how firmware manages the flash translation layer, wear leveling, garbage collection, error correction, and endurance.
• Strong Linux skills, including system configuration, storage administration, device inspection, permissions, processes, and kernel or system log analysis.
• Proficient Bash and Python scripting skills, including reliable error handling, automation, and structured processing of test results.
• Practical knowledge of NVMe and PCIe, including drive interaction with host platforms, BIOS, drivers, and operating systems.
• Experience with test design, controlled comparisons, regression testing, and tools such as fio, nvme-cli, and smartctl; ability to define reproducible pass or fail criteria.
• Clear technical writing and sound troubleshooting judgment.
• A relevant engineering or computing degree, or equivalent practical experience.
• Must be located in or near Austin, Texas, and able to travel to DigiStor testing locations.
• Regular access to physical hardware is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with client or enterprise SSD suppliers, controller vendors, or OEM qualification programs.
• Familiarity with self-encrypting drives, TCG Opal, secure firmware updates, or security-focused storage validation.
• Experience with power loss protection, endurance characterization, thermal behavior, NVMe management interfaces, or PCIe diagnostic equipment.
• Use of Git, automated test frameworks, CI workflows, Windows diagnostics, or performance analysis across multiple operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans with clear acceptance criteria and coverage for functionality, performance, data integrity, endurance, compatibility, and regression testing.
• Build and maintain Bash and Python automation for workload execution, log collection, result analysis, and repeatable reporting.
• Validate firmware and drive configurations using sustained workloads, power cycles, sleep and resume, thermal testing, and error recovery scenarios.
• Control workload settings, drive preconditioning, and host configuration; measure throughput, IOPS, and latency distributions; and distinguish drive behavior from test limitations.
• Investigate failures using Linux system logs, NVMe health and error logs, telemetry, and vendor firmware diagnostics; create reliable reproduction procedures.
• Work with controller and firmware partners to investigate defects, validate proposed fixes, and establish regression coverage before recommending release.
• Produce clear reports covering objectives, methods, configuration, pass or fail results, anomalies, and recommended follow-up; communicate unresolved risks promptly.
• Maintain traceable records of drive samples, NAND and controller variants, firmware, BIOS, operating systems, tools, and scripts used in each test.
• Improve validation procedures and reusable test libraries, review test evidence, and mentor junior engineers in troubleshooting and reporting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed