Firmware Architect

Job description

At Kandou , we are redefining the economics of AI infrastructure. Our mission is to democratise AI by significantly reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of hardware systems — a critical barrier to scalable adoption. Our proprietary MIMO-over-copper technology powers a high-performance, chiplet-based AI memory fabric that is both scalable and energy-efficient . Unlike traditional interconnects, our solution reduces power consumption significantly while preserving high bandwidth and ultra-low latency — unlocking unprecedented efficiency for AI training and inference at scale. Kandou’s architecture is not just an incremental improvement — it’s a foundational shift in how AI hardware is built for the future. We are actively seeking a Firmware Architect either based in Hyderabad OR Bangalore. Responsibilities: Define firmware architecture for 224G/lane AEC retimer (boot, config, calibration, link training, equalization, FEC, telemetry) Implement link training for IEEE 802.3ck (100G/lane) and 802.3dj (200G/lane), including adaptation algorithms and fallbacks Own FEC interaction (KP4, RS-544) and telemetry pipeline for Predictive Telemetry Lead silicon bring-up, partnering with ASIC design and signal integrity Ensure standards compliance (IEEE 802.3ck/dj, OIF-CEI, CMIS, OSFP) Partition HW-fixed vs. FW-adaptation (equalization, SNR monitoring) Travel: Up to 15% (silicon bring-up, standards meetings) Skills: Good knowledge of C (C99, MISRA), assembly for critical paths, Python for tools Good knowledge of CI/CD, static analysis, hardware-in-loop tests Good understanding of standards implementation (IEEE 802.3, OIF) Good knowledge of SerDes architecture (equalization, telemetry, interrupts) Self-motivated, with strong sense of ownership and responsibility Good communication and reporting skills Experience: Principal / Senior Staff (8-10 years post-degree) 8-10 years embedded firmware in high-speed SerDes/retimer products Hands-on PAM4 adaptation (LMS/CMA), FEC (KP4/RS-544) Silicon bring-up as lead (first samples to production) IEEE 802.3ck and 802.3dj link training experience RTOS (FreeRTOS/Zephyr) on constrained MCUs (1MB flash, 256KB RAM) Education: BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science (MS preferred, DSP/comms focus) If this is the role you have been looking for and you want to be part of a growing Company, with an exciting future then we would really love to hear from you. Together We Kandou It!