Technologist, 14+ yrs exp in Firmware Engineering (Low Level Flash FW and Infra FW)

Company Description

Sandisk understands how people and businesses consume data and we relentlessly innovate to deliver solutions that enable today’s needs and tomorrow’s next big ideas. With a rich history of groundbreaking innovations in Flash and advanced memory technologies, our solutions have become the beating heart of the digital world we’re living in and that we have the power to shape.

Sandisk meets people and businesses at the intersection of their aspirations and the moment, enabling them to keep moving and pushing possibility forward. We do this through the balance of our powerhouse manufacturing capabilities and our industry-leading portfolio of products that are recognized globally for innovation, performance and quality.

Sandisk has two facilities recognized by the World Economic Forum as part of the Global Lighthouse Network for advanced 4IR innovations. These facilities were also recognized as Sustainability Lighthouses for breakthroughs in efficient operations. With our global reach, we ensure the global supply chain has access to the Flash memory it needs to keep our world moving forward.

Job Description

We are seeking a deep technical Technologist to join our Firmware Engineering team, focusing on the core, low-level firmware for our next-generation, high-bandwidth flash controller on the Gaia project. You will be a key player in architecting and implementing the firmware that directly interacts with the NAND memory, manages system power and thermals, and controls the LPDDR memory. This is a hands-on role for a problem-solver who can ensure the performance, reliability, and efficiency of our flash storage solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• NAND Flash Firmware: Architect and implement the low-level firmware that directly controls and accesses the NAND flash memory. This includes developing drivers for high-speed flash interfaces and designing algorithms for raw data access, error correction, and wear leveling at the physical layer.
• Power & Thermal Management: Lead the design and implementation of intelligent firmware for low-power states, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), and thermal throttling. You will be responsible for optimizing power consumption and managing the thermal profile of the controller under various workload conditions.
• LPDDR Driver Integration: Develop and integrate the firmware driver for the LPDDR memory controller. You'll ensure reliable, high-speed data access by implementing routines for memory initialization, training, and self-refresh power-saving modes.
• Debug & Optimization: Utilize your expertise to debug complex, system-level issues related to NAND access, power, thermal, and memory subsystems. You'll profile and optimize the firmware to squeeze out every bit of performance and efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the hardware, ASIC, and verification teams to define requirements and debug issues, ensuring a cohesive and high-performing system.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 14+ years of hands-on experience in firmware or embedded systems development.
• Low-Level Expertise: Mastery of C/C++ and a proven track record of developing low-level drivers for silicon and on-chip peripherals.
• Flash Memory: Strong experience with NAND flash memory and its physical interface, including a solid understanding of error correction codes (ECC) and flash management principles.
• Embedded Systems: Deep knowledge of embedded systems architecture, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and silicon bring-up.
• Power & Memory: Extensive experience in developing firmware for power management (DVFS) and high-speed memory interfaces like LPDDR.
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional debugging and analytical skills, with a focus on root cause analysis using tools like JTAG/SWD, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Additional Information

Sandisk thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Sandisk is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at jobs.accommodations@sandisk.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.