Vikas Darade

Engineering Manager

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India12 yrs 3 mos experience

Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

12+ years in product development leadership
Expert in SSD firmware and networking software
Proven track record of on-time project delivery

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Storage Technology and Networking expert with strong leadership capabilities.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Ssd Product DevelopmentTeam LeadershipFirmwareProject ManagementNetworking & Software

Other Skills

Embedded SystemsCode ReviewSoftware DevelopmentAnalytical SkillsMachine LearningData StructuresCC++LinuxProgrammingOperating SystemsComputer Network OperationsManaging Technical PersonnelSoft SkillsStrategic Thinking

About

Experienced and driven engineering leader with 12+ years in product development, blending 7+ years of deep SSD firmware expertise with 5 years in networking software development. I specialize in building and scaling high-quality, high-performance firmware for cutting-edge SSD products—consistently delivering on-time, within scope, and under aggressive deadlines. Known for my ability to foster collaborative, motivated engineering teams, I bring strong technical acumen and people leadership to every project. I thrive in fast-paced environments and am passionate about applying best-in-class engineering practices to solve complex problems at scale. 💼 Core Strengths: 🔧 SSD Product Development: End-to-end expertise across PDT functions – Firmware, Architecture, ASIC, Hardware, MS, FVT, DVV, PETE, QnR, and SWT. 💾 Firmware & NAND Flash: Deep knowledge of SSD firmware architecture, FTL algorithms, and 3D TLC/QLC NAND technologies. 🌐 Networking & Software: Solid foundation in networking protocols – Layer 2, Port Security, and protocol stack development from prior networking roles. 🚀 Execution & Delivery: Known for driving task forces, bug scrubs, risk mitigation, and delivery tracking with a clear focus on results. 🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective communicator and technical bridge across teams – product, validation, hardware, and customer-facing functions. 🧠 Team Leadership: Passionate about cultivating strong engineering cultures, mentoring talent, and scaling teams that build reliable, maintainable products.

Experience

12 yrs 3 mos

Total Experience

3 yrs

Average Tenure

7 yrs 1 mo

Current Experience

Sandisk

4 roles

Senior Engineering Manager

Promoted

Aug 2025 – Present · 8 mos

Leading Gen5 x4 SSD product development with a team of 50+ firmware engineers and 12+ direct
reportees.
Own end-to-end firmware program delivery including milestone planning, design reviews, and
validation readiness.
Optimized debug tools achieving 30% drive savings during development and improved debug
Efficiency
Conduct daily scrubs with leads and weekly updates to management ensuring visibility and risk tracking
Defined career paths and growth plans through structured 1:1s aligning team goals with business
priorities

FirmwareProject ManagementTeam LeadershipEmbedded SystemsSSD Product Development

Engineering Manager

Promoted

Jul 2021 – Aug 2025 · 4 yrs 1 mo

Successfully delivered the SN5000S product as the Firmware Lead, overseeing end-to-end firmware development and release.
Led a high-performing team of 11 engineers, managing projects from concept through design, development, validation, and deployment.
Owned and conducted all firmware feature design reviews and coordinated requirements gathering from external stakeholders.
Improved team efficiency through process optimizations, clear prioritization, and implementation of best engineering practices.
Collaborated cross-functionally with architecture, hardware, validation, and product teams to drive resolution of complex technical challenges.
Ensured on-time delivery of project milestones, aligning closely with program timelines and product release goals.
Championed a culture of accountability, mentorship, and continuous improvement within the team.

FirmwareProject ManagementTeam LeadershipEmbedded SystemsCode ReviewSoftware Development+1

Principal Engineer

Apr 2021 – Jun 2021 · 2 mos

FirmwareCode ReviewSoftware DevelopmentEmbedded SystemsAnalytical SkillsTeam Leadership

Staff Firmware Engineer

Nov 2018 – Mar 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mos

Developed folding algorithms and error handling mechanisms in C for X4 (QLC) SSD products
ensuring reliable NAND operations.
Implemented NAND read/write shift algorithms for performance consistency and timing accuracy.
Detailed documentation of the Backend modules along with unit test framework, unit test plan
Led stabilization efforts using JTAG, debug logs, and trace analysis during post-silicon phase.
Enhanced error injection framework improving reliability validation coverage.
Mentored interns and junior engineers in backend firmware development and debugging best
practices.

FirmwareCode ReviewSoftware DevelopmentEmbedded SystemsAnalytical Skills

Cisco

Software Engineer III

Apr 2017 – Oct 2018 · 1 yr 6 mos · India

Developed and integrated Layer 2 applications for Nexus OS on 3000 series switches
Implemented Private VLAN and QinQ features; collaborated on feature design and validation
Implemented multiple CLIs to support new features on Nexus 3K platform.

Software DevelopmentAnalytical SkillsNetworking & Software

Cisco (insieme group)

Software Engineer II

Nov 2015 – Mar 2017 · 1 yr 4 mos · Bangalore

Developed and maintained port-security process modules within networking stack.
Performed root cause analysis and debugging for networking stack malfunctions.

Ericsson

Software Engineer

Jul 2013 – Nov 2015 · 2 yrs 4 mos · Bangalore

Developed platform-independent and dependent C/C++ modules for Line Card Hardware
configuration.
Implemented CLI interface code for port and card-level configurations
Implemented multiple CLIs to support new features on Nexus 3K platform.
Collaborated on multi-system API integrations for hardware-software Synchronisation.