Staff Firmware Test Developer

SK hynix•San Jose, CA

About The Position

At SK Hynix Memory Solution, we're at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, developing advanced memory solutions that power everything from smartphones to data centers. As a global leader in DRAM and NAND flash technologies, we drive the evolution of advancing mobile technology, empowering cloud computing, and pioneering future technologies. Our cutting-edge memory technologies are essential in today's most advanced electronic devices and IT infrastructure, enabling enhanced performance and user experiences across the digital landscape. We're looking for innovative minds to join our mission of shaping the future of technology. At SK Hynix Memory, you'll be part of a team that's pioneering breakthrough memory solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. We're not just adapting to technological change – we're driving it, with significant investments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and eco-friendly solutions and operational practices. As we continue to expand our market presence and push the boundaries of what's possible in semiconductor technology, we invite you to be part of our journey to creating the next generation of memory solutions that will define the future of computing. As a Staff Firmware Test Developer, you’ll be the technical owner of security validation for enterprise SSD firmware — designing, building, and executing test strategies that ensure our drives meet the highest standards for data protection, compliance, and interoperability. You’ll work at the intersection of firmware, hardware, and security protocols — validating features like Secure Boot, TCG OPAL, SPDM Firmware Attestation, and OCP NVMe Security Requirements across FPGA and ASIC platforms. You’ll work in test development, automation, debug complex failures, and drive quality from design to production — ensuring our firmware is not just functional, but secure by design.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field — or equivalent practical experience in firmware or embedded security.
5+ years of hands-on experience validating security features in firmware or embedded systems — specifically in NVMe SSDs, storage controllers, or similar hardware platforms.
Some experience with at minimum one of the following: Secure Boot (UEFI/TPM/Bootloader), TCG OPAL (Self-Encrypting Drive), SPDM (Firmware Attestation), OCP NVMe Security Requirements, TCG Storage Spec Requirements (upcoming or current).
Strong experience building and maintaining automated test frameworks for firmware or hardware validation — with scripting (Python, C, and JavaScript) and CI/CD integration.
Experience debugging low-level firmware/hardware issues — using tools like JTAG, logic analyzers, or firmware logs — with ability to trace failures across protocol layers.
Working knowledge of NVMe protocol, PCIe, and storage security standards — with ability to read and implement test cases from specs.
Experience working with FPGA or ASIC platforms — validating firmware behavior in pre-silicon or post-silicon environments.
Strong ownership mindset — able to define test strategy, drive quality gates, and ensure security validation is not an afterthought, but built into the design.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SPDM or similar attestation protocols in production firmware.
Contributions to open-source security test frameworks or industry standards (e.g., TCG, OCP, NVM Express).
Experience with security validation in storage-scale environments (e.g., hyperscale data centers, enterprise storage arrays).
Strong communication skills — able to present technical findings to engineering leadership and security compliance teams.

Responsibilities

Security validation for enterprise NVMe SSD firmware — from architecture review to production sign-off — ensuring compliance with Secure Boot, TCG OPAL, SPDM Firmware Attestation, and OCP NVMe Security Requirements.
Debug and root-cause complex security failures — working closely with firmware, hardware, and security architects to resolve issues at the protocol or implementation level.
Define and execute test strategies that prove “secure by design” — not just functional correctness, but cryptographic integrity, attestation, and tamper resistance.
Own test coverage and quality gates for security-critical features — ensuring no release ships without passing validation against defined security specs.
Stay ahead of evolving standards — actively track and implement upcoming TCG Storage Spec Requirements and other industry security mandates.
Collaborate cross-functionally with firmware, hardware, and security teams — translating specs into testable requirements and driving alignment on security validation outcomes.