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System Software Architect (Linux & BIOS)

The Role

We are seeking a System Software Architect to join our team that will thrive in a fast-paced work environment, using effective communication, problem-solving, and prioritization skills. Individuals that are well organized, show great attention to detail, and employ critical thinking are well-suited for our team.  

The Person

This AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) team is looking for a Fellow level System Software Architect that can help guide the team, mentor upcoming developers, provide long range strategy, and is willing to jump in to help resolve issues quickly.  You will be involved in all areas that impact the team including performance, automation, and development. The right candidate will be informed on the latest trends and become prepared to give consultative direction to senior management.

 

Key Responsibilities

Firmware and Linux Architecture & Technical Strategy
Own the end‑to‑end BIOS/UEFI and platform firmware architecture for one or more SoC/platform programs.
EDKII and Coreboot knowledge is a plus
Expertise in Linux Kernel development, RTOS is plus.
Define modular firmware design principles: portability, scalability, observability, update safety, and maintainability.
Establish the firmware roadmap aligned with product strategy, platform requirements, and silicon capabilities.
Lead architecture reviews and ensure alignment across firmware components (bootloaders, PEI/DXE drivers, BMC/ME/PSP interfaces, platform init flows)
Boot Flow, Initialization & Platform Bring‑Up
Architect and drive platform boot sequences, including:

CPU and silicon initialization
Memory bring‑up (DDR training, init, error handling)
IO initialization (PCIe/CXL/USB/SATA/NVMe/Ethernet, as applicable)
ACPI table generation and OS handoff

Enable pre‑silicon firmware to bring‑up (emulation/FPGA/simulation environments), accelerating first‑silicon readiness.
Partner with validation and silicon bring‑up teams on root cause analysis across HW/FW/SW boundaries.
Security Architecture & Secure Firmware Lifecycle
Define and implement secure platform foundations:

Secure Boot chain of trust, firmware authentication, measured boot
Firmware update security, rollback prevention, anti‑tamper
Security event logging and policy enforcement

Collaborate with security teams on vulnerability response processes and secure development practices.
Power, Performance, RAS, and Reliability
Architect firmware support for:

Power management frameworks (P‑states/C‑states, idle policies, low power modes)
Performance tuning hooks and telemetry
RAS features (error detection, reporting, recovery flows; MCA/EDAC integration as relevant)
Watchdogs, health monitoring, crash dump capture, post‑mortem analysis support

Define observability: logs, traces, counters, firmware performance profiles.
Firmware Quality, Validation & Release Governance
Define firmware quality gates and release criteria (stability, boot KPI, stress, compliance).
Drive robust validation strategies:

Unit/component tests for firmware modules
Automated boot/regression infrastructure
Compatibility testing across OS, devices, and platform SKUs

Own release governance: versioning, change control, branching strategy, and integration cadence.
Ecosystem & Cross‑Functional Leadership
Be ready to engage in customer conversations for defining the use cases
Act as the primary firmware interface across teams:

Silicon/SoC design and IP owners (memory, PCIe, security, power)
Platform board design and electrical teams
System software, kernel/driver, hypervisor teams
Validation, manufacturing, and field support

Provide technical influence—drive upstream design decisions that improve firmware simplicity and platform robustness.

Preferred Experience

20+ years experience in BIOS/UEFI or low‑level firmware architecture and development.
Deep expertise in:

UEFI/BIOS architecture (boot phases, drivers, DXE/PEI concepts)
Linux Kernel and Real Time OS
Low‑level CPU/platform initialization flows
ACPI/SMBIOS concepts and OS handoff behavior
Debugging complex boot issues across HW/FW/OS

Strong understanding of platform fundamentals:

Memory subsystems bring‑up, training, and error handling
IO initialization and enumeration (PCIe stack, device discovery)
Power management and performance tradeoffs

Proven cross‑functional leadership and ability to drive technical decisions across teams.

Academic Credentials

Bachelor's or master's in electrical Engineer, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's Responsible AI Policy is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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