SoC Validation Engineer - Pre-Silicon & Post-Silicon

Job Title: SoC Validation Engineer - Pre-Silicon & Post-Silicon

Location: Sunnyvale CA (Onsite)

Job Description:

Summary

We are looking for an experienced SoC Validation Engineer to drive end-to-end validation of complex System-on-Chip (SoC) designs across both pre-silicon and post-silicon phases. The ideal candidate brings deep domain expertise in SoC IP subsystems - including Clock, Reset, Ethernet, I/O controllers, and related infrastructure IPs - with proven ability to develop test strategies, execute validation plans, and root-cause failures from simulation through first silicon and production.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Silicon Validation

• Develop comprehensive verification and validation plans for SoC-level IP subsystems including Clock Generation/Distribution (PLLs, clock muxes, dividers), Reset Architecture, Ethernet MAC/PHY, and I/O interfaces (GPIO, I2C, SPI, UART, JTAG)
• Create and execute directed and constrained-random tests targeting IP integration, connectivity, and functional correctness at the SoC level
• Verify clock domain crossings (CDC), reset sequencing, and power-on reset (POR) behavior
• Validate Ethernet data path integrity, link negotiation, and MAC-to-PHY (MII/RGMII/SGMII) interfaces
• Perform functional coverage analysis and drive coverage closure across IP blocks
• Collaborate with design and architecture teams on RTL debug, assertions, and specification reviews
• Execute validation on emulation/FPGA prototyping platforms (Palladium, Veloce, Protium) for early software/firmware integration

Post-Silicon Validation

• Bring up and validate SoC IPs on first silicon and platform boards

• Develop and execute post-silicon test plans covering:

• Clock: PLL lock times, frequency accuracy, jitter characterization, clock switching, glitch-free mux transitions

• Reset: Reset assertion/de-assertion sequencing, warm/cold reset flows, watchdog timer resets, brown-out detection

• Ethernet: Link bring-up, auto-negotiation, packet integrity (CRC/FCS), throughput/latency, loopback testing, PTP/IEEE 1588 timestamping

• I/O: Pin mux configuration, drive strength, voltage levels, protocol compliance (I2C/SPI/UART timing), interrupt routing

• Debug silicon failures using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, JTAG/DFx, and embedded trace tools

• Perform root-cause analysis of post-silicon bugs and drive resolution with design and firmware teams

• Characterize IP performance under varying voltage, frequency, and temperature (VFT) conditions

• Develop and maintain automated test frameworks for regression and production testing

• Collaborate with platform, firmware, BSP, and driver teams on system-level integration and debug

General

• Author and maintain validation documentation: test plans, debug reports, coverage metrics, and known-issue databases
• Develop Python/Perl/Tcl scripts for test automation, log parsing, and result analysis
• Participate in silicon bring-up triage, failure analysis, and bug review meetings
• Mentor junior engineers and drive process improvements in validation methodology
• Interface with IP vendors for third-party IP integration, compliance, and issue resolution

Required Qualifications

• Education: B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Experience: 4-10+ years in SoC validation (pre-silicon and/or post-silicon)
• Deep understanding of SoC architecture and IP integration concepts

Diverse Lynx LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive due consideration for employment without any discrimination. All applicants will be evaluated solely on the basis of their ability, competence and their proven capability to perform the functions outlined in the corresponding role. We promote and support a diverse workforce across all levels in the company.