Staff Engineer - SSD firmware validation; NVMe​/PCIe

The Technology Enabling Development Lab (TED) focuses on the host interface firmware layer that bridges system software and flash management firmware. This key technology powers Samsung’s breakthrough V‑NAND and enables high‑performance enterprise applications such as hyper‑scale data centers, big data processing, and virtualized storage.

Location: Daily onsite presence at our San José, CA office / U.S. headquarters, in alignment with our Flexible Work policy.

• Develop black‑box functional test coverage and test methodologies for NVMe SSDs.
• Debug and triage failures, working with the Firmware Team to reproduce issues and design/run experiments.
• Analyze customer field issues and enhance functional test coverage where gaps are identified.
• Provide guidance to the Automation team and assist with test‑coverage integration into the existing framework.
• Collaborate effectively with local U.S. and international customers and OEMs.

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience, or Master’s degree and 8+ years of experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Strong scripting skills in Python, Bash, Linux shell scripts, or similar.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in team environments.
• Prior NVMe or PCIe knowledge and experience with storage technologies such as NVM Express, PCI Express, NAND Flash/FTL.
• Knowledge of enterprise storage/server systems and proficiency in Linux.
• Expertise with storage test tools such as performance benchmarks, IO stress tools, protocol certifications, test execution, and bug‑management tools.
• Hands‑on experience in embedded software or firmware development/testing, including storage devices or other embedded platforms.
• Familiarity and experience with agile development methodologies; experience in AI/ML‑focused environments is preferred.
• Experience with PCI protocol analyzers.
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration across local and globally distributed teams.
• Inclusive mindset, adaptability, curiosity, resilience, and openness to collaboration.

Base Pay Range: $163,000 – $253,000 USD. Pay within this range varies by location and by job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Incentive opportunities reward employees based on individual and company performance.

This package includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and compassionate caregiving provisions. Additional benefits focus on wellbeing, including:

• Paid time off: 4+ weeks of PTO annually, holidays, and sick leave.
• Family support: fertility care stipend, adoption assistance, medical travel support, and virtual pet care.
• Emotional wellness: on‑demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions.
• Fitness: onsite café, gym, and virtual classes.
• Flexibility: a supportive flexible environment to balance work and life.

Samsung Semiconductor is an equal‑opportunity workplace. We foster an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.