Sr. Software Development Engineer

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING
At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.
THE ROLE:
AMD is looking for a senior firmware engineer to join our Product Security Organization. As a key contributor you will be part of a leading team to drive and enhance AMD’s abilities to deliver the highest quality, industry-leading technologies to market.
THE PERSON:
The ideal candidate possesses an innovative and security-focused mindset, has deep expertise in embedded firmware development, and is passionate about building secure, low-level systems. A successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge in firmware architecture, hardware-software integration, and secure development practices, along with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while collaborating with cross-functional teams of hardware designers, security architects, and software engineers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and maintain secure firmware for AMD's Root of Trust and security processor subsystems using C/C++/Rust, with assembly-level optimization where needed
Implement secure boot flows, firmware recovery mechanisms, measured boot capabilities, and cryptographic operations using symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms
Design and develop firmware for key management, attestation services, and Hardware Security Module (HSM) functionality
Collaborate closely with RTL design teams, software engineers, and security architects across global teams to ensure seamless hardware-software integration
Participate in Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL) activities including threat modeling, security reviews, vulnerability remediation, and compliance with security standards (TCG, NIST, Common Criteria)
Validate and debug firmware features using hardware development tools including emulators, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and trace tools
Deploy firmware solutions for emerging market products across multiple platforms and operating environments
Contribute to open-source firmware projects, APIs, and engage with the broader security community
Provide technical leadership and mentorship while working closely with cross-functional teams and Project Managers to deliver critical security features on schedule
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
Programming & Development: Expert knowledge and hands-on experience in C and C++; proficiency in Rust is highly desirable; assembly language and Python scripting capabilities
Firmware Expertise: Strong experience with microcontroller architectures and firmware interaction with hardware; deep knowledge of boot processes, firmware initialization, Board Support Packages (BSP), and device drivers
RTOS & Operating Systems: Solid understanding of Real-Time Operating Systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, etc.), OS concepts, multithreading, and firmware interactions within Windows, Linux, gaming, compute, and virtualization environments
Security Knowledge: Solid experience with cryptography and its application in hardware and firmware; working knowledge of symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms; familiarity with security standards including:
TCG (TPM, CyRes, Server, PC Client)
NIST (HSM, Resiliency, Key Strengths, FIPS)
Common Criteria Profiles for embedded devices
Hardware Security Concepts: Understanding of Root of Trust, secure boot, PKI, attestation, and secure coding practices
Development Tools: Experience with firmware and hardware development tools including emulators, trace tools, version control systems (Git), oscilloscopes, compilers, linkers, debuggers (JTAG/SWD), and analyzers
Software Engineering Principles: Solid understanding of object-oriented design principles, data structures, algorithms, and modern software development methodologies
Problem Solving: Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills with ability to debug complex firmware-hardware integration issues
Communication & Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to articulate technical issues to both technical and non-technical audiences; proven ability to work effectively in multi-disciplined, worldwide teams
Self-Motivation & Learning: Ability to comprehend and apply new knowledge quickly and effectively; track record of achieving results in fast-paced environments
Architecture Experience: ARM Cortex-M, RISC-V, or similar embedded architectures is a plus
ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer/Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline
LOCATION: Markham, ON
#LI-PA1
#LI-HYBRID
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.