Senior Principal Engineer, Software/Firmware - coherent optical module firmware/bootloader design/SoC-based embedded platforms

About Marvell

Marvell’s semiconductor solutions are the essential building blocks of the data infrastructure that connects our world. Across enterprise, cloud and AI, and carrier architectures, our innovative technology is enabling new possibilities. 

At Marvell, you can affect the arc of individual lives, lift the trajectory of entire industries, and fuel the transformative potential of tomorrow. For those looking to make their mark on purposeful and enduring innovation, above and beyond fleeting trends, Marvell is a place to thrive, learn, and lead. 

Your Team, Your Impact

Marvell'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 Do

• Own 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

Required

• 15+ 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 Marvell optical or coherent DSP platforms or equivalent
• Background in calibration and control algorithms for optical components (EDFA, MZ, TOSA, etc.)

Expected Base Pay Range (USD)

177,820 - 266,400, $ per annum

The successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location and market conditions. The expected base pay range for this role may be modified based on market conditions.

Additional Compensation and Benefit Elements 

Marvell is committed to providing exceptional, comprehensive benefits that support our employees at every stage - from internship to retirement and through life’s most important moments. Our offerings are built around four key pillars: financial well-being, family support, mental and physical health, and recognition. Highlights include an employee stock purchase plan with a 2-year look back, family support programs to help balance work and home life, robust mental health resources to prioritize emotional well-being, and a recognition and service awards to celebrate contributions and milestones. We look forward to sharing more with you during the interview process.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Any applicant who requires a reasonable accommodation during the selection process should contact Marvell HR Helpdesk at [email protected].

Interview Integrity 

To support fair and authentic hiring practices, candidates are not permitted to use AI tools (such as transcription apps, real-time answer generators like ChatGPT or Copilot, or automated note-taking bots) during interviews.

These tools must not be used to record, assist with, or enhance responses in any way. Our interviews are designed to evaluate your individual experience, thought process, and communication skills in real time. Use of AI tools without prior instruction from the interviewer will result in disqualification from the hiring process.

This position may require access to technology and/or software subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, applicants must be eligible to access export-controlled information as defined under applicable law. Marvell may be required to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce and/or the U.S. Department of State. Except for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), all applicants may be subject to an export license review process prior to employment.

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