Firmware Development Engineer, Senior Staff

At Synopsys, we drive the innovations that shape the way we live and connect. Our technology is central to the Era of Pervasive Intelligence, from self-driving cars to learning machines. We lead in chip design, verification, and IP integration, empowering the creation of high-performance silicon chips and software content. Join us to transform the future through continuous technological innovation.

You are a skilled and passionate engineer with deep expertise in embedded firmware development, seeking to make a tangible impact in the semiconductor industry. You thrive in multidisciplinary environments and are energized by challenging technical problems. Your curiosity drives you to explore new technologies and approaches, while your analytical skills help you identify subtle system performance bottlenecks and optimization opportunities. With a strong foundation in C programming and experience in both hardware and software domains, you are adept at bridging the gap between digital logic design and real-time firmware. You value collaboration and mentorship, welcoming opportunities to both learn from and share knowledge with your peers. Your experience with memory interface protocols such as DDR, LPDDR, or HBM enables you to quickly contribute to our next-generation solutions.

You are comfortable working in a Linux environment and have a keen eye for detail, ensuring high quality and reliability in everything you develop. Your communication skills allow you to clearly articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. You are driven, adaptable, and eager to contribute to a team that values innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional solutions to customers worldwide.

• Develop and optimize embedded firmware for advanced DDR/LPDDR/HBM memory interface PHYs, focusing on runtime performance and reliability.
• Profile low-level code execution on ARC processors to identify and implement improvements in training firmware runtime.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to analyze and debug RTL waveforms and integrate firmware with silicon testchips in our advanced hardware lab.
• Study and enhance training algorithms as defined by JEDEC, proposing high-level optimizations in close partnership with firmware leads.
• Apply emerging modeling techniques and data-driven approaches to improve workflow efficiency and training accuracy.
• Support customer teams by troubleshooting and resolving complex interface and performance issues in real-world deployments.
• Document development processes, contribute to best practices, and participate in code reviews to ensure maintainability and scalability.

• Accelerate the delivery of high-performance memory interface solutions that power next-generation computing, AI, and automotive platforms.
• Directly contribute to the quality and competitiveness of Synopsys’ IP products, ensuring they meet rigorous industry standards.
• Enable customers to achieve faster time-to-market by providing robust, optimized firmware that simplifies system integration.
• Advance the state of the art in memory interface training, influencing industry protocols and best practices.
• Drive innovation by integrating new modeling and profiling techniques into the firmware development workflow.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence and knowledge sharing within the team.

• Proficiency in C programming for embedded firmware applications, with a strong understanding of low-level system interactions.
• Experience analyzing and debugging RTL waveforms, with hands-on exposure to hardware/software integration.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (Python) and hardware description languages (Verilog), with bonus points for Verilog-A.
• Experience working in a Linux development environment, using utilities and languages such as SQL and JavaScript.
• Understanding of DDR/LPDDR/HBM memory interfaces and related JEDEC standards is a significant asset.
• Experience with virtual prototyping and/or emulation is highly desirable.

• Analytical thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and optimization.
• Excellent communicator, able to work effectively in cross-functional teams and collaborate with both hardware and software engineers.
• Detail-oriented and committed to delivering high-quality, reliable firmware solutions.
• Adaptable and open to learning new technologies and methodologies as the industry evolves.
• Mentor and team player, eager to share expertise and support the professional growth of colleagues.
• Driven by curiosity, continuous improvement, and a passion for technological innovation.

You’ll join the Synopsys IP Group’s firmware development team in Ottawa, a collaborative and innovative group dedicated to solving the most challenging problems in memory interface technology. The team is focused on developing and optimizing training firmware for DDR/LPDDR/HBM PHYs, working closely with hardware, verification, and customer support teams. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with industry-leading experts, contribute to product excellence, and help shape the future of high-speed memory interfaces.

We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.

Synopsys Canada ULC values the diversity of our workforce. We are committed to provide access & opportunity to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals throughout the recruitment and employment process. Should you require an accommodation, please contact hr-help-canada@synopsys.com.