Principal Engineer - Validation (Systems)
$86,000–$186,000 year
On-siteBurnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Job Summary
Integrate prototype SoC hardware and firmware into complete system solutions using emulation platforms and validation boards to enable functional testing. Develop, execute, and document feature-level tests against design specs, performance targets, and industry standards while building and maintaining validation infrastructure including boards, FPGAs, and automated test suites. Run complex tests and investigations on-site and remotely, collaborating with cross-functional teams to isolate and resolve bugs across hardware, firmware, and system levels. Lead technical activities in your area of expertise, mentor junior engineers, and present technical information to internal and external audiences. This role supports Microchip's Data Center Solutions team in delivering high-performance storage controllers and NVMe SSD controllers for cloud and enterprise use.
Required Qualifications
- 10 years of relevant silicon / SoC validation experience (pre- and/or post-silicon)
- Strong programming and scripting skills in C / C++ and Python (or Tcl)
- Solid hands-on lab experience with high-speed test equipment: oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, logic analyzers, etc.
- Demonstrated SoC system-level debug skills across firmware, hardware, schematics, PCB, and FPGA environments
- Strong foundation in data communications theory and high-speed signal fundamentals
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
- Proven ability to work independently on test plan development and execution while collaborating effectively in a team
- Must be available for travel Time: 0% - 25%
Desired Qualifications
- SoC performance validation and tuning experience
- Experience with prototype board bring-up, modifications, and schematic reading
- Familiarity with AI tools and workflow integration
- Experience with Product Security
- PCIe compliance testing experience
- High-speed SERDES testing and debugging
- Pre-silicon emulation test experience
- High-speed digital design, PCB layout, or signal integrity knowledge
- MIPS-based firmware development and debug in C/C++
- Working knowledge of protocols including PCIe, DDR4/5, SAS, SATA, I2C, SPI and protocol trace debugging
- Linux or Windows host driver development or OS experience
- FPGA tools and VHDL/Verilog knowledge
- ThreadX or RTOS experience
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