Principal Firmware Engineer
Technology, Data & Digital · Software & Web Development · Software Engineering · Embedded Systems
In short
As a Principal Firmware Engineer at Synopsys in Nepean, Ontario, you will develop and optimize firmware for DDR, LPDDR, and HBM memory interface PHY training sequences. This role involves analyzing RTL waveforms, debugging hardware-software interactions, and mentoring other engineers, contributing to next-generation semiconductor solutions.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize firmware for DDR, LPDDR, and HBM memory interface PHY training sequences
- Profile compiled firmware at the instruction level to identify runtime bottlenecks and implement optimizations that improve training performance
- Analyze RTL waveforms and testchip data in the hardware lab to understand eye margin sensitivity and refine training algorithms
- Collaborate with firmware architecture to study JEDEC protocol specifications and propose algorithmic improvements to training workflows
- Debug complex hardware-software interaction issues across firmware, RTL, and physical silicon using lab equipment and simulation tools
- Explore and prototype how emerging modeling techniques could be applied to memory training workflows
- Mentor engineers on the team, sharing knowledge of embedded firmware development, hardware debugging, and memory interface behavior
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 12+ years of software development experience, Master's with 10+ years, or PhD with 8+ years, all in commercial or production environments
- Deep proficiency in C for embedded firmware development, including experience optimizing for resource-constrained processors
- Hands-on experience with RTL waveform analysis and debugging using tools like Verdi, DVE, or similar
- Demonstrated ability to work at the hardware-software boundary, understanding how firmware interacts with digital logic and physical interfaces
- Experience profiling and optimizing compiled code for performance-critical applications
- Strong debugging skills across firmware, RTL simulation, and hardware lab environments
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with Python and Verilog is a strong plus, particularly for test automation and RTL co-development
Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Comprehensive medical and healthcare plans
- ETO and FTO Programs for time away
- Maternity and paternity leave, parenting resources, adoption and surrogacy assistance
- Purchase Synopsys common stock at a 15% discount, with a 24 month look-back
- Retirement plans that vary by region and country
- Access to an advanced hardware lab with a library of testchips
#firmware#hardware#software#RTL#semiconductor#DDR#LPDDR#HBM
Company
Synopsys Inc
Job Posted
16 hours ago
Employment Type
Full Time
WorkMode
On Site
Experience Level
Senior
Locations
Nepean, Canada
Qualification
Bachelor, Master, Doctoral
Applicants
Be an early applicant