Principal Engineer - Validation (Systems)
$75,000–$232,000 year
On-siteRoseville, California, United States
Job Summary
Design and build validation infrastructure, develop test plans, and execute complex tests on prototype silicon and firmware for next-generation SoCs. Integrate hardware and firmware into complete system solutions using emulation platforms and boards to enable functional testing. Develop block, subsystem, and system-level test firmware/scripts, integrating them into automated test suites while leading technical activities and mentoring junior engineers. Run complex lab investigations on-site and remotely, identify and report bugs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to isolate and resolve issues. Continuously learn device protocols and industry standards, applying AI-based tools to improve testing efficiency.
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 able to travel 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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