Field Application Engineer, NAND/SSD

Job Title: Field Application Engineer, NAND/SSD
Office Location: San Jose, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Model: Onsite 
      
About SK hynix America
At SK hynix America, we're at the forefront of semiconductor innovation, developing advanced memory solutions that power everything from smartphones to data centers. As a global leader in DRAM and NAND flash technologies, we drive the evolution of advancing mobile technology, empowering cloud computing, and pioneering future technologies. Our cutting-edge memory technologies are essential in today's most advanced electronic devices and IT infrastructure, enabling enhanced performance and user experiences across the digital landscape.
We're looking for innovative minds to join our mission of shaping the future of technology. At SK hynix America, you'll be part of a team that's pioneering breakthrough memory solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. We're not just adapting to technological change – we're driving it, with significant investments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and eco-friendly solutions and operational practices. As we continue to expand our market presence and push the boundaries of what's possible in semiconductor technology, we invite you to be part of our journey to creating the next generation of memory solutions that will define the future of computing.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Alignment & Customer Engagement

• Align SK hynix product roadmaps with customer system architectures, serving as the primary liaison between customers and internal teams (Sales, Planning, Marketing).
• Present technical roadmaps (component, feature, product) to customer engineering teams and management to articulate data center solutions.
• Analyze customer system roadmaps and technical requirements to define internal product strategies.
• Provide competitive analysis and market insights on product roadmaps, technology, and qualification status based on customer feedback.
• Maintain high customer service levels by effectively balancing customer requests with SK hynix business goals.

Qualification & Project Management

• Manage end-to-end qualification activities for global customers and ODMs, including datasheets, samples, and validation reports.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute qualification plans at customer and ODM sites, ensuring adherence to timelines and specifications.
• Coordinate sample schedules and validation milestones with customers and internal teams to secure design wins.

Technical Support & Issue Resolution

• Serve as the single point of contact (SPOC) for technical issues, leading Failure Analysis (FA) and providing status updates to customers.
• Handle Customer Quality and RMA processes, driving root cause analysis and preventive actions.

Controller Partnership & Validation

• Drive validation activities with controller partners to ensure successful integration of SK hynix NAND products.
• Define functional requirements for controller validation, aligning specs with data center application needs (AI/ML, Cloud, Enterprise).
• Collaborate with controller partners to execute validation plans, test scenarios, and resolve technical issues for design wins.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Professional experience in a customer-facing technical role (e.g., FAE, Technical Account Manager, Systems/Validation Engineer). Ideal candidates typically have 2–10 years of relevant experience, but exceptional talent at all levels is welcome.

Technical Knowledge

• Solid understanding of Data Center architectures, Enterprise Storage systems, and NAND flash technologies. Knowledge of NVMe/NVMe-oF protocols and SSD controllers is required.
• Prior experience in a customer support role (FAE, Systems Engineer) for NAND flash or SSD products is preferred. Experience with Hyperscalers or ODMs is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical details to engineers and management both in writing and verbally.
• Proven ability to manage priorities and lead cross-functional teams to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting technical issues and optimizing system performance.
• Fluency in English and Korean (written and spoken) is preferred.

Benefits:       

• Top Tier health insurance at no employee cost
• Paid day offs: Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Parental Leave, Happy Fridays
• 401k Matching
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Health Care & Dependent Care
• Educational reimbursement up to $10,000 per year
• Donation Matching and volunteering opportunities
• Corporate discount programs
• Free Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner provided to employees

Equal Employment Opportunity:

SKHYA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, national origin, color, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws. 

Compensation: