Principal Engineer, Systems Design, SSD
The Principal Engineer leads SSD system design and architecture from concept through high-volume manufacturing. This role drives system definition, characterization strategies, and cross-functional execution to deliver products that meet customer, platform, and roadmap requirements. As a technical authority, the engineer resolves complex system challenges, influences product direction, mentor engineers, and advances engineering excellence through continuous improvement and AI-enabled innovation
Main Responsibilities
Lead system-level design definition, architecture reviews, and technical decision-making for SSD products to ensure alignment with product roadmaps and customer requirements.
Drive resolution of complex multi-domain technical issues spanning firmware, hardware, and system interactions using structured root-cause methodologies and data-driven debugging techniques.
Define and implement characterization strategies for SSD performance, power, thermal behavior, and reliability throughout product development phases.
Act as a primary technical interface with executive stakeholders, customers, and global engineering teams to influence technical direction and execution.
Lead cross-functional engineering activities that improve product quality, manufacturability, reliability, and customer readiness.
Other Responsibilities
Lead lessons-learned reviews and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen SSD development methodologies and engineering effectiveness.
Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance to develop organizational capability and technical depth.
Drive alignment across architecture, firmware, hardware, validation, and product engineering teams to achieve program objectives.
Provide technical risk assessments, roadmap recommendations, and status updates to leadership stakeholders.
AI Responsibilities
Integrates AI-assisted tools and insights into daily work to improve efficiency, quality, or effectiveness, exercising sound judgment and complying with organizational standards and legal requirements.
Contributes to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying, testing, and sharing AI-enabled enhancements within one’s scope of work.
Qualifications
B.Sc. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent.
Over 6 years’ experience in SSD system design, architecture, or product development.
Technical Skills
Deep expertise in SSD architecture, controller design, flash translation layer (FTL), wear leveling, NAND lifecycle management, and storage subsystems.
Strong knowledge of PCIe and NVMe protocols, SSD performance optimization, and system-level behavior.
Experience with system-level design, debug, characterization, and validation across product development phases.
Hands-on expertise with lab instrumentation and board-level debug.
Soft Skills
Technical leadership through influence and ability to drive alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
Structured problem-solving and strategic decision-making for complex engineering challenges.
Clear executive-level communication and presentation skills.
Mentoring, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
Preferred Skills
Experience with SSD ASIC development, firmware integration, and system-level co-design.
Strong programming capability in Python, C++, Bash, or similar languages for automation and analysis.
Experience with system-level power and thermal optimization.
Experience leading global engineering teams and engaging directly with customers.
Embody Micron’s Core Values
People – Respect, develop, and empower others
Innovation – Drive continuous improvement and breakthrough thinking
Tenacity – Show grit and determination
Collaboration – Build trust and foster teamwork
Customer Focus – Deliver excellence and value
Speed – Act with purpose and set the pace