Senior Principal Engineer, Software/Firmware - coherent optical module firmware/SoC-based embedded platforms/CPO
Santa Clara, CA, US (Onsite)
Engineering / Architecture
Salary: USD $200,000 – $260,000 / yr
Job description
Your Team, Your Impact
Client''s Optics firmware team develops the software that powers the next generation of optical interconnects — from high-volume Data Center Interconnect (DCI) coherent modules (400ZR, 800ZR/ZR+) deployed at hyperscale cloud providers, to emerging Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) platforms that will redefine how compute and optical I/O are integrated at the rack level. Our products are at the heart of the industry''s transition to higher-bandwidth, lower-power optical connectivity, and our firmware is a key differentiator in winning and retaining the world''s most demanding customers. You''ll join a team of experienced engineers who have shipped multiple generations of coherent module platforms and are now building the foundation for what comes next.
What You Can Expect
We are looking for a Senior Principal Firmware Engineer to join Marvell''s Optical Connectivity firmware team in Santa Clara. This is a highly technical individual contributor role with broad program ownership across one or more coherent optical module programs. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded firmware for optical transceivers, a track record of leading complex multi-generation programs, and the ability to work effectively across firmware, hardware, DSP, and customer-facing teams.
- What You''ll DoOwn firmware development for coherent optical module programs (e.g., 400ZR/ZR+, 800ZR), from architecture through production release
- Lead program-level firmware efforts, including bring-up, calibration, validation, and customer delivery milestones
- Design and implement advanced firmware features such as hitless firmware upgrade, CMIS compliance, bootloader architecture, calibration and control engines, and hardware adaptation layers
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with DSP, hardware, ATE, and test engineering teams to resolve complex system-level issues
- Support customer engagements — respond to technical inquiries, debug field issues, and deliver firmware solutions that meet hyperscaler and carrier requirements
- Contribute to firmware architecture decisions across the broader optics firmware platform, including shared infrastructure, tooling, and release processes
- Mentor and guide other engineers on the team; serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert
What We''re Looking For
- Senior Principal Engineer, Software/Firmware - coherent optical module firmware/SoC-based embedded platforms/CPORequired15+ years of experience in embedded software/firmware architecture, design, and implementation
- Deep expertise in coherent optical module firmware (400ZR, 800ZR, or equivalent) and associated standards (OIF-400ZR, C-CMIS, CMIS 4.x/5.x)
- Strong background in bootloader design, firmware upgrade mechanisms (including hitless/in-service upgrade), and flash management
- Experience with SoC-based embedded platforms (MCU/DSP-based architectures)
- Proficiency in C/C++ firmware development and Python-based test/automation scripting
- Demonstrated ability to own and deliver programs end-to-end — from alpha bring-up through GA release and production support
- Strong debugging skills across hardware/firmware boundaries; experience with lab bench bring-up, ATE integration, and field issue resolution
- Experience with Jira, GitLab, and CI/CD-based firmware release flows
- Excellent communication skills; able to work effectively with customers, hardware engineers, and DSP teams
Preferred
- Prior experience at an optical module company or optical semiconductor company
- Familiarity with Clients optical or coherent DSP platforms or equivalent
- Background in calibration and control algorithms for optical components (EDFA, MZ, TOSA, etc.)
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