Field Application Engineer, NAND/SSD
SK hynix · San Jose, CA ·
- Category
- Solutions engineering
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Salary
- USD 87,000 – 160,000 / year
A customer-facing Field Application Engineer at SK hynix (onsite, San Jose) serving as the technical liaison for NAND/SSD products: managing end-to-end qualifications with global customers and ODMs, leading failure analysis and issue resolution, and driving validation with SSD controller partners for AI/ML and enterprise data-center designs. Core tech: NAND flash, SSD, NVMe/NVMe-oF, enterprise sto
About SK hynix America:
At SK hynix America, we are at the forefront of semiconductor innovation. As a global leader in HBM, DRAM, and NAND flash technologies, we develop the advanced memory solutions powering everything from advanced mobile technology to massive AI data centers. With major investments in the U.S. and a leading position in the global AI revolution, we build the critical infrastructure of the digital landscape and remain committed to sustainable operations. We invite innovative minds to be part of our journey. Here, you will be part of a collaborative team pioneering the next generation of memory technologies, expanding our market footprint, and defining the future of computing.
Work Model: Onsite
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
Compensation:
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. Pay within the provided range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related skills and experience. Your Recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
SK hynix America 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.
In compliance with federal law, SK hynix America also participates in the federal E-Verify program. Upon accepting an offer of employment, all newly hired individuals will be required to complete Form I-9, which includes verifying identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. Please review the official government posters detailing your rights and protections prior to applying:
- E-Verify Participation Poster (Bilingual English & Spanish)
- IER Right to Work Poster (English)
- IER Right to Work Poster (Spanish)