WD 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 DescriptionRole Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our engineering team. This role demands a seasoned professional with deep technical mastery across the full embedded stack — from low-level bare-metal firmware through RTOS-based systems to Linux kernel and application-layer development. The ideal candidate bridges hardware and software domains fluently, bringing hands-on FPGA development experience alongside proven capability in upper-computer (PC/host-side) software. This is a senior individual contributor role requiring independent technical judgment, architectural thinking, and the ability to drive complex projects from concept to production.
Key Responsibilities
● Architect, develop, debug, and optimize firmware and software for embedded platforms spanning bare-metal, RTOS, and embedded Linux environments
● Write and maintain board support packages (BSPs), bootloaders, peripheral drivers, and hardware abstraction layers for microcontrollers and SoCs
● Develop and maintain Linux kernel modules, device drivers, device-tree configurations, and root filesystem customization for embedded Linux targets
● Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic (Verilog/VHDL); collaborate with hardware teams on FPGA-based prototyping, signal processing pipelines, or custom peripheral integration; develop and debug firmware-FPGA interfaces
● Develop host-side applications (C/C++, Python, C#, or Qt-based) for device communication, data acquisition, test automation, calibration tools, and production diagnostics
● Lead board bring-up activities, integrate software/firmware/FPGA components, and drive system-level debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and protocol analyzers
● Profile and optimize system performance (latency, throughput, memory footprint, power consumption); implement robust error handling, watchdog strategies, and fault-tolerant designs
● Provide architectural guidance and code reviews; mentor junior engineers; establish coding standards, documentation practices, and development workflows for the embedded team
● Work closely with hardware, mechanical, test, and product teams to translate system requirements into embedded software specifications and deliver integrated solutions
Qualifications● B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
● 8+ years of professional embedded software/firmware development experience
● Deep proficiency in C/C++ for resource-constrained targets; extensive experience with at least one commercial or open-source RTOS; solid understanding of real-time scheduling, interrupt handling, synchronization primitives, and deterministic timing
● Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel internals — driver development, kernel module programming, user-space/kernel-space interfaces (ioctl, sysfs, netlink), and cross-compilation toolchains
● Hands-on development in Verilog or VHDL targeting Xilinx and/or Intel (Altera) platforms; familiarity with synthesis, timing closure, simulation, and on-chip debug (ILA/SignalTap)
● Proven track record building PC-side applications for embedded device interaction — serial/USB/Ethernet communication stacks, GUI or CLI tools, and automated test frameworks
● Expert-level use of JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes; proficiency with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and build systems (Make, CMake, Yocto/Buildroot)
● Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear design documents, interface specifications, and technical reports
● Proficient in English verbal communication; able to effectively collaborate and conduct technical discussions across cross-functional and cross-regional teams
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience with high-speed interfaces: PCIe, USB 3.x, Ethernet (including RGMII/SGMII), or MIPI
● Familiarity with hardware description and verification methodologies (SystemVerilog, UVM) or High-Level Synthesis (HLS)
● Experience with signal/image processing algorithms implemented in firmware or FPGA fabric
● Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and rapid prototyping
● Experience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies in a hardware-software co-development environment
● Familiarity with storage systems, motor control, or industrial/IoT domains is a plus
Additional InformationAll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.
WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.
Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email [email protected].
Skills Required
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
- 8+ years professional embedded software/firmware development experience
- Proficiency in C and C++ for resource-constrained targets
- Extensive experience with at least one commercial or open-source RTOS and real-time concepts (scheduling, interrupts, synchronization)
- Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel internals, driver development, kernel modules, user/kernel interfaces, and cross-compilation
- Experience developing FPGA logic in Verilog or VHDL targeting Xilinx and/or Intel (Altera) platforms
- Experience building PC/host-side applications for device communication (C/C++, Python, C#, Qt) and test automation
- Hands-on use of JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and on-chip debug tools (ILA/SignalTap)
- Experience with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and build systems (Make, CMake)
- Experience with embedded Linux build systems and rootfs customization (Yocto, Buildroot) and device-tree
- Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills; proficiency in English for cross-regional collaboration
- Experience with BSPs, bootloaders, peripheral drivers, and hardware abstraction layers
- Familiarity with synthesis, timing closure, simulation, and on-chip debug workflows for FPGA development
- Experience with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, USB 3.x, Ethernet, or MIPI
- Familiarity with SystemVerilog, UVM, or HLS and verification methodologies
- Experience implementing signal/image processing algorithms in firmware or FPGA fabric
- Proficiency in Python for scripting, test automation, and rapid prototyping
- Experience with Agile/Scrum in hardware-software co-development environments
- Familiarity with storage systems, motor control, or industrial/IoT domains
Western Digital Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Western Digital and has not been reviewed or approved by Western Digital.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Strong & Reliable Incentives: Incentive structures in variable‑pay roles are portrayed as well‑designed, and annual or quarterly bonuses are commonly part of total compensation.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare Strength: Company materials highlight comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and mental‑health resources, complemented by options like HSA/FSA and disability coverage.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental & Family Support: Caregiving support across life stages and children’s behavioral health resources are featured, with programs such as Bright Horizons referenced for U.S. employees.
Western Digital Insights
What We Do
At Western Digital we create data storage solutions that power the technology of today and inspire the innovations of tomorrow.







