Job DescriptionSanDisk NVMe SSD products undergo rigorous in-house validation to ensure they consistently meet stringent OEM quality and reliability standards. We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Firmware Validation Engineer (Technologist) with deep expertise in NVMe SSD system architecture and firmware algorithms. This role will lead the development of comprehensive firmware verification strategies and drive implementation using modern object-oriented programming languages.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Technical Leadership:
Provide technical leadership to a team of engineers responsible for NVMe Client SSD validation. Guide the team in best practices, architecture understanding, and test strategy execution. - Drive Engineering Excellence:
Motivate and mentor engineers to improve efficiency in test development, enhance code quality, expand validation coverage, and achieve high operational effectiveness. - Define Validation Strategy:
Identify and shape future validation methodologies, including defining validation infrastructure, frameworks, and long-term strategy to support evolving product requirements. - Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner closely with Architecture, Firmware Development, Product Development, and other engineering teams to ensure aligned validation objectives and represent the firmware validation function within cross-functional discussions. - Customer Issue Analysis:
Work with customer-facing teams to understand field and OEM-reported issues. Lead validation teams in enhancing coverage, improving test robustness, and preventing recurrence. - Automation & Framework Development:
Collaborate with software tools and automation teams to identify and drive improvements in validation frameworks, automation capabilities, and workflow efficiency
QualificationsSKILLS:
- Deep expertise in firmware algorithms used in NAND Flash-based storage devices, including SSDs, mobile flash solutions, or similar embedded storage technologies.
- Strong knowledge of host and storage protocols, including PCIe, NVMe, and NAND Flash memory technology fundamentals.
- Extensive experience in firmware or embedded software development, including integration, validation, and system-level debugging.
- Proficiency in test coverage methodologies for real-time embedded systems, particularly for storage controllers and NAND-flash-based architectures.
- Ability to methodically root-cause complex failure mechanisms, leveraging strong analytical and debugging skills.
- Strong programming proficiency in Python, C, and C++, with experience developing automation, validation tools, or test frameworks.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; able to collaborate effectively and work as a strong team contributor.
- Ability to build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with engineering, architecture, product, and customer-facing teams.
- Skilled in eliciting requirements from diverse stakeholders and translating them into actionable validation plans.
- Ability to work under pressure and drive quick resolutions while maintaining high-quality engineering standards.
REQUIRED:
- Minimum BS + 6-8 years or MS + 5-7 years in storage related segments
- Worked with international teams
Compensation & Benefits Details- An employee's pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
- The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
- You will be eligible to participate in Sandisk's Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance. Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Sandisk's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including 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, and the Sandisk's Savings 401(k) Plan.
- Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.
