Principal SSD Systems Engineer

Company Overview
Virtium is a trusted leader in the design and manufacturing of high-reliability industrial modular hardware solutions that enable embedded computing system manufacturers to accelerate time to market while reducing development risk. Our portfolio includes AI Systems-on-Module (SOMs), industrial SSDs, industrial DDR memory, and wireless connectivity solutions serving networking, telecommunications, aerospace & defense, industrial OEMs, and embedded computing customers worldwide. With more than 25 years of innovation, quality, and long-term product support, Virtium is a preferred partner for mission-critical Edge AI and embedded computing solutions.
Position Summary
Virtium is seeking a Principal SSD Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for SSD architecture, hardware development, supplier engagement, system integration, and customer support. This role serves as the technical authority for SSD technologies throughout the product lifecycle, including specification definition and alignment, hardware design development and review with internal engineering teams, firmware design review with controller suppliers, system-level validation, failure analysis, and post-deployment support.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in SSD hardware and firmware architecture, system integration, and debugging, with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal engineering teams, suppliers, and customers.
Key Responsibilities
•    Act as the primary technical interface with SSD vendors
•    Define and review SSD specifications to meet product requirements
•    Lead internal hardware design efforts and firmware design discussions with controller suppliers, ensuring alignment with system-level requirements.
•    Evaluate and approve firmware designs from suppliers
•    Configure and enable SSD features to meet product and customer requirements
•    Customize SSD behavior through firmware settings and system-level controls
•    Perform system integration testing and validation in Linux environments
•    Diagnose and resolve issues across firmware, hardware, and system layers
•    Lead root-cause analysis for field and production issues
•    Provide technical support for deployed products at customer sites
•    Debug and resolve SSD-related issues in production environments
•    Work with suppliers to drive issue resolution and continuous improvements
•    Interface directly with customers to understand technical requirements and resolve issues. 
•    Interface directly with suppliers to drive product development and issue resolution
•    Support field escalations and communicate technical solutions effectively 
Required Qualifications
•    10+ years of experience in SSD hardware, firmware, storage systems, or related technologies.
•    Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
•    Hands-on experience with SSD hardware and firmware architecture and design. 
•    Strong understanding of SSD design principles. 
•    Solid knowledge of storage systems and hardware fundamentals. 
•    Expertise in SSD protocols (e.g., NVMe, SATA). 
•    Proficiency in Linux environments, including debugging, diagnostic tools, and system analysis. 
•    Strong debugging and problem-solving skills across hardware, firmware, and system layers.
 Preferred Qualifications
•    Experience working with SSD vendors or external suppliers
•    Experience with system integration and validation
•    Customer-facing or field support experience
•    Excellent communication and technical presentation skills
Role Scope
•    Not responsible for developing SSD firmware from scratch
•    Not a pure software development role
•    Focused on leading internal hardware engineering efforts, supplier engagement, system integration, validation, configuration, and customer support
Additional Information
•    Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; onsite full-time, Monday through Friday.
•    Department: Engineering.
•    Reports to: Chief Operating Officer.
•    Base salary: Starting at $170,000+, based on experience and internal alignment.
•    Full healthcare benefits plan options available, 401K matching and paid time off
•    Travel: Limited travel may be required to support supplier or customer needs.