Sr. Firmware Engineer, Platform

Description

Synaptics is leading the charge in AI at the Edge, bringing AI closer to end users and transforming how we engage with intelligent connected devices, whether at home, at work, or on the move. As the go-to partner for the world’s most forward-thinking product innovators, Synaptics powers the future with its cutting-edge Synaptics Astra™ AI-Native embedded compute, Veros™ wireless connectivity, and multimodal sensing solutions. We’re making the digital experience smarter, faster, more intuitive, secure, and seamless. From touch, display, and biometrics to AI-driven wireless connectivity, video, vision, audio, speech, and security processing, Synaptics is the force behind the next generation of technology enhancing how we live, work, and play.

Overview
Synaptics is seeking a skilled and motivated Sr. Firmware Engineer to join our dynamic team. You will play a key role in the development and maintenance of embedded firmware, working with cross-functional teams to deliver robust and innovative solutions. This role involves the design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of firmware for various touch, display, fingerprint and bridge solutions across multiple product lines. This position reports to the Sr. Manager, Software Engineering.

Responsibilities & Competencies
Job Duties

• Collaborate with system architects, hardware and software engineers, and other stakeholders to understand technical features and system requirements and translate these into actionable firmware designs that meet performance, reliability, and scalability criteria
• New ASIC bring up including hardware module function verification and low-level driver implementation
• Develop innovative design solutions for new and existing features by evaluating different approaches based on performance, power consumption, memory footprint, scalability, and other constraints to ensure optimal firmware implementation
• Write and maintain efficient, scalable, and robust firmware code in C/C++, ensuring alignment with technical and project requirements
• Develop and test code in Python or MATLAB to validate firmware functionality and performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across different geographical locations, including system architecture, hardware, software, and validation teams, to ensure feature development and implementation meet functional and performance standards
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex issues related to firmware and hardware integration. Use debugging tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other diagnostic instruments to identify and resolve problems

Competencies

• Strong C/C++ programming skills; understanding of assembly code is a plus
• Familiar with QA validation methodologies and able to perform QA testing independently
• Proactive, self-starter, able to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Well organized with strong attention to detail; proactively ensures work is accurate
• Positive attitude and work ethic; unafraid to ask questions and explore new ideas
• Resourceful and able to solve complex problems through practical use of technology and a solid understanding of product architecture
• Analytical and able to make informed decisions based on experience and data
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, in English
• Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse cross-functional team

Qualifications (Requirements)

• Bachelor’s (Master’s preferred) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in firmware development for embedded systems including code development in C/C++
• Understanding of assembly code is a plus.
• Experience with microcontrollers, microprocessors, and system-on-chip (SoC) architectures
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Proficient in hardware interfaces and communication protocols (e.g. I2C, I3C, SPI, UART, USB)
• Familiarity with analog and digital systems, ADCs, DACs, PWM, DMA
• Strong understanding of embedded software development processes, including version control systems (e.g., Git) and build systems
• Hands-on experience with debugging and diagnostic tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
• Minimal travel up to 10%

Belief in Diversity
Synaptics is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.