Firmware Engineer with 20-Year Embedded Expertise

Phuoc Thai (nickname, Bruce)

***** ******* ****, *****, ** 92064 619-***-**** ******@********.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Resultsdriven Firmware Engineer with 20+ years of expertise in designing and developing embedded firmware in C/C++ for ARMbased platforms. Proven track record in hardware bringup, debugging, and validation using JTAG, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers. Extensive experience with RTOS, embedded Linux, and baremetal firmware for wireless communication systems (cellular, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, mmWave, UWB, NFC). Strong leadership and mentoring abilities, seeking to lead firmware development for nextgeneration RF and analog test equipment at Apple.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

- Languages: C/C++ (expert), C#, Java, Python, Assembly (8086), Shell Script

- Platforms & OS: ARM processors, Embedded Linux, RTOS (FreeRTOS, etc.), Baremetal, Linux Kernel, Windows, WinCE 5.0

- Tools & Equipment: JTAG debuggers, Logic Analyzers (Saleae, BusBee), Oscilloscopes, Spectrum Analyzers, Microchip IDE, Eclipse IDE, Visual Studio

- Wireless Technologies: 802.11 WLAN/AC, Cellular, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, mmWave, UWB, NFC, RF/Analog Test Equipment

- Development Practices: SDLC, Board BringUp, Hardware Debugging & Validation, Multicore/Multithreaded Programming, Parallel Processing, Version Control (SVN, Git), Test Automation (Python/Bash)

- Other: Cryptography (Atmel, Sigma, Broadcom SoC), File Systems (FAT, NAND, NOR), PCIe, USB, SPI, I2C, LED/UI Design, PKI Encryption/Decryption, HLD/LLD Documentation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Test Engineer – Kontron

Poway, CA Jan 2024 – Present

- Conducted embedded software testing (C/C++, Python, Bash) and validation for medical device, avionics, defense equipments/device, ensuring ISO audit compliance with industry standards.

- Developed automated test scripts that reduced manual test effort by 30%.

- Collaborated with crossfunctional teams to identify and resolve defects during hardware bringup and validation phases.

- Creating and hosting live training session for production and Customer service repair team to diagnose and run test station.

- Making sure the test certificates are properly maintain on the network.

- updating test sequence and scripts on AWS.

Senior Firmware Engineer – Innoflight

Poway, CA Mar 2023 – Oct 2023

- Designed and developed embedded firmware for satellite/avionics systems in C/C++, focusing on realtime processing and fault tolerance.

- Utilized JTAG and logic analyzers for debugging and validation; improved fault detection rate by 25% through targeted test procedures.

- Integrated multithreaded modules to enhance parallel processing capabilities on ARMbased flight controllers.

Principal Firmware Engineer – APRICORN

Poway, CA Aug 2016 – Mar 2023

- Led firmware development for encrypted storage devices, managing a team of 4 engineers and mentoring junior staff.

- Key Achievements:

- Designed C/C++ firmware for ARMbased secure controllers, enabling selfverification and selfconversion features (patented).

- Implemented lowlevel drivers (I2C, SPI) and used Saleae logic analyzer/BusBee USB, and Beagle USB 480 protocol analyzer for debugging and signal integrity validation.

- During Covid 2020, I was ask to create and re-design all the product line using MAX23358 ARM 3bit deep cover secure chip from scratch due to the 8 bit to 32 bit architecture. It took me about 2 and half months with no help from anyone. The hardware manager give me his input about his hardware changes every week on zoom. I was so determine to get it completed before the dead line. We were able to delivered the product within a year time frame.

- Developed Python stresstesting automation to validate FIPS1402/3 compliance, reducing test cycle time from 5 days to 4 hours ( 80% faster).

- Collaborated with UL and AegiSolve teams to achieve product FIPS certification; acted as primary firmware liaison.

- Optimized cryptographic throughput on Broadcom and Sigma SoCs via firmwarelevel improvements, increasing performance by 40%.

- Created hardware bringup procedures for new product revisions, decreasing rampup time by 35% through structured validation checklists.

- Develop LED and button press code to coordinate error messages and system performance feedback.

Staff Software Engineer – ARRIS Group (formerly Motorola)

San Diego, CA Jul 2004 – Aug 2016

- loading and develop embedded ARC Linux for the WVB2, VAP2400, VAP500 using Quantenna, 4 channel WiFi chip-set develop and manufactured in Taiwan.

- Develop code to coordinate the LED with the WiFi signal integrity for VAP2400, VAP2500.

- Extracting the ARC Linux kernel to just bare minimum and analyze the code for not infringe the open source code or GPL - Develop and encrypted boot loader for Directv WVB2 using SHA512 encryption and decryption loading the kernel into WVB2 WiFi device.

- Developed embedded Linux and WinCE applications (C/C++) for settopbox and video networking products.

- Key Contributions:

- Authored Linux kernel drivers and WinCE applications that improved driver performance, enabling stronger WiFi signals and reliability.

- Manage responsible for board bring up for Set-Top-Box to WiFi devices.

- Develop LED and button press code to coordinate error messages and system performance feedback.

- Utilized Omnipeek WiFi analyzer and IX Chariot throughput test to validate video streaming quality; achieved 50% increase in throughput.

- Designed Linuxbased drivers for USB, SCART, Ethernet, LED, and PSoC interfaces; supported factory mass production via encrypted PKI data handling.

- Developed utilities for FAT file system, NAND/NOR flash management, and encrypted data repair, enhancing system reliability.

- Authored HighLevel Design (HLD) and LowLevel Design (LLD) documents for USB, SCART, and storage subsystems.

Application Software Engineer – Sony Corporation

San Diego, CA Mar 1994 – Jun 2004

- Developed assembly language (8086) and C/C++ drivers for video network server and CD duplication systems.

- Integrated Sony DirectTV SatT60 TiVo Digital SetTopBox; responsible for factory mass production system setup.

- Implemented UI design and specification documentation for Sony PVR settopbox.

RELEVANT PROJECTS & PATENTS

- Patents: Multiple issued patents and publications on portable storage devices with selfverification and selfconversion capabilities (see original resume for details).

- Projects:

- Network Access Filter for Linuxbased home/small networks (C).

- TCP framing implementations (fixedlength, variablelength, sentinelbased) on Linux.

- UI design and specification for Sony PVR settopbox.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering

University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA Jun 1991

COURSES & TRAINING

Software Architect, Data Structures, Computer Organization, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Software Engineering, Microprocessors, Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Open Source Training, Security Software Development, [Add any ARM/RTOS/Linux kernel courses if applicable].

LANGUAGES

English, Vietnamese, French, Three Chinese dialects

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