Principal Firmware Architect - Hyperscale & AI Rack-Based Compute Systems

About the role

The Principal Firmware Architect will be responsible for architecting server and rack‑level solutions for customers in the cloud computing and hyperscale industry. This role includes working directly with customers and core technology partners to understand and solve technical challenges, as well as providing technical leadership and guidance to internal engineering, management, and business teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop long‑term hyperscale server firmware and security technology strategies based on customer needs.
• Develop, test, debug, and optimize firmware for ZT hyperscale compute/storage products and proof of concepts.
• Drive adoption of firmware development strategies internally and externally.
• Collaborate directly with customers on new firmware architectures for compute servers, storage servers, and add‑on cards.
• Solve performance and operational challenges to deliver business value through ZT firmware.
• Contribute firmware and security content to System Architecture Specifications for ZT server products.
• Build long‑term technical relationships within the firmware technology ecosystem to influence next‑generation server design.
• Align with customers and partners on security requirements and guide ZT engineering teams accordingly.
• Participate in in‑depth security reviews and drive compliance with industry standards.
• Engage in industry forums, workgroups, and consortiums related to firmware and security initiatives.
• What You Bring
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: AMI BMC FW, OpenBMC FW, HP iLO, Dell iDRAC, UEFI FW (BIOS).
• Experience with DMTF standards such as MCTP, NC‑SI, PLDM, OVF, Redfish, SPDM.
• Knowledge of security protocols, Root of Trust, and secure design principles.
• Experience with operating systems and driver design/usage.
• Strong background in Intel/AMD/ARM/GPU platform architectures.
• Strong understanding of Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) functionality, telemetry, and controls.
• Working knowledge of server operating systems including Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022) and Linux (CentOS, Ubuntu, Fedora, SUSE).
• Knowledge of virtualization technologies (VMware, Citrix, Microsoft).
• Understanding of software driver implementation, IP schemas, and network protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies.
• Competencies
• Ability to innovate and develop intellectual property.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to author technical papers and present at industry forums and consortiums.
• Capability to lead prototyping and proof‑of‑concept development for new technologies.
• Education
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science (preferred).

Requirements

• 12+ years of direct industry experience (10+ years with MS or 9+ years with PhD).
• Background as a Software/Firmware Architect focused on UEFI firmware, BMC firmware, and OS/drivers, including:
• Experience coding for AMI and/or OpenBMC‑based BMC firmware.
• Experience with DMTF Redfish.
• Experience coding for UEFI firmware (BIOS).
• Experience with security protocols.
• Experience with operating systems and driver design/usage.
• #ZTSANENG2025!
• About ZT Systems
• Join ZT Systems and help us build technology infrastructure that connects the world.

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