Senior Technologist - Firmware Development
Irvine, CAFull-timePosted Jun 29, 2026
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Senior Technologist - Firmware Development Full-timeJob Type (exemption status): Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details belowSalary Range: 150,900.00-201,200.00Business Function: FirmwareWork Location: Irvine Office--LOC_WDT_USCA01Company DescriptionWD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.
As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.
We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.
This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.
We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.
Join us and let’s shape the future of data.Job DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Technologist to join our HDD Firmware Engineering team at Western digital. In this dynamic role, you will contribute to the development and optimization of firmware for our cutting-edge HDD (Hard Disk Drive) products. You will act as a key player in driving innovation, reliability, and performance improvements across our storage solutions portfolio.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDesign, develop, and debug firmware for HDD technologies, ensuring functionality, reliability, and efficiency.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., hardware engineers, validation teams, and architects) to define firmware requirements and deliver products in alignment with project goals.Perform system-level debugging to analyze and resolve firmware issues impacting product performance or operational reliability.Contribute to the development of technical documentation, architecture designs, and code reviews to support the lifecycle of firmware projects.Utilize AI-assisted coding tools to enhance firmware coding efficiency and gain insights into advanced debugging methodologies.Mentor and guide firmware team members to ensure alignment, team growth, and professional development.Collaborate on storage performance evaluations to improve HDD firmware functionalities and support various customer and data-intensive applications.QualificationsREQUIREDBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.SKILLSExpertise in firmware or embedded software development with focus on C/C++/ Python coding.Solid debugging skills (using tools such as JTAG, ICE, bus analyzers) and experience troubleshooting complex system issues.Must have hands on experience in storage technologies, including HDD architecture and interface protocols like SATA, SAS, and NVMe.Exposure to and familiarity with AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, Cursor, or similar tools).Experience in large-scale firmware projects within the storage industry or similar domains.Experience with performance optimization and storage system firmware processes.Proven mentorship and team leadership experience to guide engineers through challenging development and debugging tasks.Strong problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced and innovative environment.Effective communication skills to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.Knowledge of software development processes such as Agile methodologies.Salary Range150,900.00-201,200.00Additional InformationWD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or...