SerDes PHY FW/SW Engineer - Staff/Senior Staff/Principal Levels

1 Month ago • 7 Years + • Software Development & Engineering

Job Summary

Job Description

The Embedded Software / Firmware Team at Alphawave Semi develops critical embedded software for high-performance Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) PHY IP used in data centers, AI/ML, automotive, and compute applications. Responsibilities include developing embedded C/C++ firmware for hardware calibration, training algorithms, and link state management. The role involves debugging complex lab and field issues, collaborating across functions, and supporting silicon bring-up across teams. This role demands leadership in delivering production-quality firmware, defining architecture, and influencing the design and usability of Alphawave’s IP.
Must have:
  • 7+ years of embedded C/C++ firmware development for hardware IP or SoCs
  • Technical or team leadership experience in embedded software projects
  • Deep understanding of microcontroller architecture and memory-mapped registers
  • Strong lab debug skills with scopes, analyzers, and custom tools
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across functions
Good to have:
  • Knowledge of SerDes, high-speed IO standards (PCIe, Ethernet, etc)
  • Experience with calibration algorithms, signal conditioning, and control
  • Experience in silicon bring-up and post-silicon debug
  • Scripting in Python, Bash, etc. for lab automation and testing
  • Understanding of signal processing concepts (eye diagrams, jitter, BER, etc.)
Perks:
  • Comprehensive health plan
  • Health Spending Account (HSA)
  • Wellness Spending Account (WSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)​
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave Top-Up Program

Job Details

The Opportunity


We're looking for the Wavemakers of tomorrow.

Alphawave Semi enables tomorrow’s future by accelerating the critical data communication at the heart of our digital world – from seamless video streaming to AI to the metaverse and much more. Our technology powers product innovation in the most data-demanding industries today, including data centers, networking, storage, artificial intelligence, 5G wireless infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles. Customers partner with us for mission-critical data communication, our innovative technologies, and our proven track record. Together, we enable the next generation of digital technology.

The Embedded Software / Firmware Team at Alphawave Semi develops critical embedded software that powers high-performance multi-standard Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) PHY IP used in next-generation data center, AI/ML, automotive, and compute applications. Our SerDes IPs support standards such as PCIe, Ethernet, CXL, and are integrated into SoCs and ASICs built by leading semiconductor companies around the world.

The firmware team owns the full embedded software stack that controls the SerDes hardware, including low-level embedded firmware, customer-facing C SDKs, demo & automation scripts, and interactive tools. As a key enabler of silicon bring-up, validation, and production deployment, we work closely with hardware, systems, DV, validation, and application teams across the product lifecycle—from early development to high-volume manufacturing.

What You Can Expect

  • Core responsibilities for the firmware team include:
  • Embedded firmware running on RISC-V-based controllers that manage Alphawave’s advanced SerDes datapaths
  • C SDKs provided to customers for SerDes bring-up, calibration, tuning, and diagnostics
  • Python-based lab tools and GUIs for interactive debug, register access, and validation
  • Build, regression, and CI infrastructure to ensure code quality and full coverage
  • You’ll play a key leadership role in delivering robust, production-quality firmware for SerDes PHY IP. You’ll help define architecture, drive features end-to-end, coordinate across cross-functional teams, and directly influence the design and usability of Alphawave’s IP.

What You'll Do

  • Technical lead for SerDes firmware on a major IP program, working with a team (2–8 engineers) through planning, development, validation, and customer delivery
  • Architecting and implementing embedded C/C++ firmware for hardware calibration, training algorithms, DSP adaptations, and link state management
  • Debugging complex lab and field issues in conjunction with hardware, applications, and validation teams
  • Collaborating across functions to define FW milestones, plan sprints, close tickets, and ensure delivery of reliable and high-quality features
  • Translating protocol specifications (e.g. PCIe, Ethernet, CXL) or custom system-level requirements into internal firmware architecture and documentation
  • Supporting development and silicon bring-up across Alphawave Semi teams and other sites

Example Problems You’ll Solve
  • Mentoring a junior engineer through a hard-to-reproduce PHY calibration bug seen in customer silicon
  • Developing architecture and state machines to handle multi-lane synchronization or adaptive equalization across dynamic conditions
  • Porting a high-level MATLAB or Python SerDes calibration algorithm to optimized fixed-point firmware
  • Creating a SerDes diagnostics framework accessible via both SDK and GUI
  • Using simulation environments and FPGA emulation to validate FW behavior before tapeout
  • Working with IP hardware architects to influence future revisions based on field debug learnings

What You'll Need

  • BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 7+ years of experience in embedded C/C++ firmware development for hardware IP or SoCs
  • Technical or team leadership experience in embedded software projects from spec to production
  • Deep understanding of microcontroller architecture (RISC-V a plus), memory-mapped registers, ISRs, and boot flows
  • Strong lab debug skills, working directly on silicon with scopes, analyzers, and custom tools
  • Familiarity with git and modern software development methodologies
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across functions and geographies

Preferred Experience:

  • Knowledge of SerDes, high-speed IO standards (PCIe, Ethernet, UCIe, CXL, etc)
  • Experience with calibration algorithms, signal conditioning, and adaptive feedback control in hardware
  • Experience in silicon bring-up and post-silicon debug
  • Experience in pre-silicon firmware development (DV, emulation, etc)
  • Knowledge of RTOS or bare-metal FW architectures
  • Scripting in Python, Bash, etc. for lab automation and testing
  • Familiarity with digital design concepts (Verilog/SystemVerilog), simulation, and DV flows
  • Exposure to the OSI model, especially physical and data link layers
  • Understanding of signal processing concepts such as eye diagrams, jitter, BER, SNR, CTLE/DFE/FFE, etc.

We have a flexible work environment to support and help employees thrive in personal and professional capacities.

You’ll also be eligible for competitive benefits described as per below:

Health & Wellness

Our programs emphasize knowledge and prevention, helping you stay proactive and prepared to manage your health at every stage.

  • Comprehensive health plan
  • Health Spending Account (HSA)
  • Wellness Spending Account (WSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)​

Time Off

We value the importance of rest and recharge, which is why we offer flexible time off options to support your well-being.

  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave Top-Up Program

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Alphawave Semi is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all applicants regardless of age, gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics. We value diversity and provide accommodations during the recruitment process.

Similar Jobs

Roof Stacks - Senior Backend Developer

Roof Stacks

Istanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye (On-Site)
3 Months ago
PrizePicks - Senior Product Marketing Manager

PrizePicks

Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Hybrid)
2 Months ago
Globalization Partners - Senior Product Operations Manager

Globalization Partners

United States (Remote)
2 Months ago
Codeway Studios - Content Specialist (Language Learning)

Codeway Studios

İstanbul, Türkiye (On-Site)
3 Months ago
Riot Games - Brand Manager, VALORANT (Contractor)

Riot Games

Shanghai, Shanghai, China (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Adtran - Software Engineer I

Adtran

Yokne'am Illit, North District, Israel (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Scout - Lead Engineer, Development Fleet Software Technician

Scout

Novi, Michigan, United States (On-Site)
2 Weeks ago
Wind River - Engineering Manager

Wind River

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)
4 Weeks ago
Qualcomm - Engineering Intern

Qualcomm

Hanoi, Vietnam (On-Site)
2 Weeks ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Similar Skill Jobs

entrata - Strategic Account Manager

entrata

Dallas, Texas, United States (Remote)
2 Months ago
AECOM - Financial Planning & Analysis Analyst III

AECOM

Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania (Hybrid)
2 Weeks ago
Haleon - Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Haleon

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Ajmera Infotech - SENIOR ASP.NET DEVELOPER

Ajmera Infotech

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)
11 Months ago
Scout - Staff Technical Program Manager

Scout

Fremont, California, United States (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Funko - Web Content Producer, DTC

Funko

London, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Figma - Software Engineer, Product Engineering

Figma

San Francisco, California, United States (Remote)
2 Weeks ago
undefined - Intern – Security Function Support

Milan, Lombardy, Italy (On-Site)
1 Month ago
GoTo Group - Senior Data Warehouse Engineer (India)

GoTo Group

Gurugram, Haryana, India (On-Site)
8 Months ago
Flow - Project Manager, Interior Fit-Outs

Flow

Miami, Florida, United States (On-Site)
2 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Super.com - Manager, Treasury

Super.com

Canada (Remote)
4 Days ago
Alphawave Semi - Senior Staff Engineer I Custom Layout - Serdes

Alphawave Semi

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Blackbird Interactive - Senior Technical Artist

Blackbird Interactive

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Hybrid)
4 Weeks ago
tures studios - Senior Lighting Artist

tures studios

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Hybrid)
1 Month ago
Activate Games - Team Lead (Store Supervisor)

Activate Games

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (On-Site)
2 Weeks ago
Airlab Inc  - Jr Programmer Artificial Intelligence

Airlab Inc

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (On-Site)
1 Year ago
Dialpad AI - Sales Engineer II

Dialpad AI

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (On-Site)
4 Weeks ago
Enverus - Sales Development Representative

Enverus

Calgary, Alberta, Canada (On-Site)
2 Weeks ago
hogarth - Technical Project Manager

hogarth

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid)
1 Month ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Software Development & Engineering Jobs

Riot Games - Manager, Software Engineering - Teamfight Tactics, Core Tech

Riot Games

Los Angeles, California, United States (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Apple - SoC Silicon Debug Engineering Program Manager

Apple

Beaverton, Oregon, United States (On-Site)
1 Month ago
JDA - Support Engineer 1

JDA

Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (On-Site)
3 Weeks ago
Jumio - Senior Detect & Respond Engineer

Jumio

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)
1 Month ago
zoox - Senior/Staff Software Engineer - Simulation Traffic & Behavior Modeling

zoox

Seattle, Washington, United States (Hybrid)
8 Months ago
Ion - Financial Engineer

Ion

Milan, Lombardy, Italy (Hybrid)
1 Month ago
Assystems - Nuclear Safety Engineer H/F

Assystems

Chusclan, Occitanie, France (On-Site)
2 Weeks ago
WebTech Corporation - Signal Engineer IV

WebTech Corporation

Jacksonville, Florida, United States (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Mindbotix - SQA Engineer

Mindbotix

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Nagarro - Senior Engineer, Sharepoint

Nagarro

India (Remote)
8 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

About The Company

Alphawave Semi enables tomorrow’s future by accelerating the critical data communication at the heart of our digital world – from seamless video streaming to AI to the metaverse and much more. Our technology powers product innovation in the most data demanding industries today including data centers, networking, storage, artificial intelligence, 5G wireless infrastructure, and autonomous vehicles. Customers partner with us for mission critical data communication, our innovative technologies, and proven track record.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)

Hsinchu County, Taiwan (Hybrid)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (On-Site)

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (Hybrid)

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (Hybrid)

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (Hybrid)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (On-Site)

San Jose, California, United States (On-Site)

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)

View All Jobs

Get notified when new jobs are added by Alphawave Semi

Level Up Your Career in Game Development!

Transform Your Passion into Profession with Our Comprehensive Courses for Aspiring Game Developers.

Job Common Plug