Staff Software Engineer, Firmware

Google Google · Big Tech · Sunnyvale, CA +1

Staff Software Engineer focused on firmware security for custom compute SoC, ensuring security from RTL design to post-silicon productization. The role involves driving firmware security architecture, defining specifications, leading engineering teams, and setting multi-generational security roadmaps. While the team works on AI and Infrastructure at scale, this specific role is centered on firmware security engineering, not direct AI/ML model development.

What you'd actually do

  1. Drive a exceptional firmware security architecture from the ground up, defining specifications for security boundaries and cryptography while partnering with Hardware Architects to ensure seamless SoC integration.
  2. Lead and inspire a talented engineering team, reinforcing security best practices through active mentorship, design reviews, and a security-first mindset.
  3. Define and execute multi-generational security roadmaps that incrementally raise the industry bar for power, performance, and side-channel protections.
  4. Oversee the security lifecycle from initial RTL design to post-silicon productization, partnering with Software/Firmware teams to ensure a true defense-in-depth implementation.

Skills

Required

  • C++
  • C
  • kernel drivers
  • embedded systems
  • firmware
  • servers
  • security
  • bootloaders
  • software design and architecture
  • software development
  • embedded operating systems
  • testing, and launching software products

Nice to have

  • ARM
  • hardware architecture
  • security operating systems
  • computer architecture
  • data structures and algorithms
  • technical leadership
  • cross-functional projects

What the JD emphasized

  • security DNA
  • security
  • security engineering
  • security for our silicon and servers
  • security architecture
  • security boundaries
  • security best practices
  • security-first mindset
  • security roadmaps
  • side-channel protections
  • security lifecycle
  • defense-in-depth implementation