Intel

CPU Pre-Silicon Verification Engineer

Intel$164K — $232K *
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
  • 5+ years (Bachelor's) or 3+ years (Master's) of experience in pre-silicon verification or front end.
  • Proficiency in software/programming languages like C, C++, Python, etc.
  • Experience with System Verilog, Verilog, VHDL, or similar simulators.
  • Strong background in developing pre-silicon validation test plans.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute pre-silicon validation plans for Intel CPU designs.
  • Validate CPU functionality and microarchitecture across various environments.
  • Develop validation content and scenarios to enhance product coverage.
  • Apply coverage-driven validation to ensure thorough verification of processor designs.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize product quality.
  • Perform root cause analysis for validation issues and failures.
  • Support silicon readiness by resolving issues before manufacturing.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and stock bonuses.
  • Health insurance coverage for employees and families.
  • Retirement savings plans with company contributions.
  • Paid vacation and leave policies.
  • Opportunities for continuous professional development and learning.
Full Job Description
Job Details:

Job Description:

The Role and Impact

As a CPU Pre-Silicon Verification Engineer, you will help ensure the quality, functionality, and readiness of Intel's next-generation CPU's the high-performance engines that power some of the world's most advanced computing platforms.

In this role, you will develop and execute validation strategies that verify complex CPU designs before silicon manufacturing. Working across architecture, design, verification, and platform teams, you will identify and resolve issues early in the product lifecycle, helping deliver industry-leading performance, power efficiency, and product quality.

Your work will directly contribute to Intel's future client, AI, and high-performance computing products, playing a key role in bringing innovative processor technologies to market.

What You'll Do

Key responsibilities will include but not limited to:
  • Define, develop, and execute pre-silicon validation plans for Intel CPU core designs.
  • Validate CPU functionality, microarchitecture behavior, and system-level feature interactions across simulation, emulation, and FPGA environments.
  • Develop validation content, test scenarios, and infrastructure to improve coverage and identify functional issues early in the product lifecycle.
  • Apply coverage-driven validation techniques to ensure comprehensive verification of complex processor designs.
  • Review architecture and design changes to assess validation impacts, risks, schedules, and test requirements.
  • Collaborate with architecture, design, verification, and platform engineering teams to optimize product quality and validation effectiveness.
  • Perform debug, root cause analysis, and failure triage for functional issues discovered during validation.
  • Develop and enhance validation methodologies, automation frameworks, checkers, monitors, and validation tools.
  • Analyze validation results, publish findings, and provide recommendations to improve future designs and validation strategies.
  • Contribute to silicon readiness activities by identifying and resolving issues before manufacturing.
  • Support end-to-end product development across multiple phases of the CPU lifecycle.


Behavioral traits that we are looking for:
  • Technical Problem Solving - Uses analytical thinking to investigate complex design and validation challenges.
  • Ownership and Accountability - Takes responsibility for deliverables and drives issues through resolution.
  • Collaboration - Builds strong partnerships across architecture, design, validation, and platform teams.
  • Communication - Clearly communicates technical findings, risks, and recommendations.
  • Adaptability - Excels in a dynamic environment with evolving technologies and priorities.
  • Continuous Learning - Maintains curiosity and develops expertise in CPU architecture, validation methodologies, and emerging technologies.


Intel invests in our people and offers a complete and competitive package of benefits employees and their families through every stage of life.

See Intel Benefits for more details.

Qualifications:

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

Note:

For information on Intel's immigration sponsorship guidelines, please see

Intel U.S. Immigration Sponsorship Information

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or other Science/Engineering related field and 5+ years of experience in Pre-silicon verification and/or front end or Master's Degree in the same field 3+ years of experience in Pre-silicon verification and/or front end.
Your experience described above must be in the following:
  • Software/programming languages (i.e. C, C++, C#, Visual Basic/.NET. Perl, Python, Java, etc.)
  • System Verilog/Verilog/VHDL, Verification, Validation and/or VCS or similar Simulator.
  • Experience developing comprehensive pre-silicon validation test plans, translating architecture and design specifications into validation objectives, test scenarios, coverage models, execution strategies, and signoff criteria.


Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
  • Experience with computer architecture and microarchitecture
  • Experience with coverage driven validation
  • Experience in IP/SOC ASIC Validation
  • Experience in Specman E and/or OVM/UVM
  • Knowledge with x86 core architecture and instruction set


Job Type:
Experienced Hire

Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location:
US, California, Folsom

Additional Locations:

Position of Trust
N/A

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $164,470.00-232,190.00 USD

The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role
This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

About Intel

Intel Careers

Join Intel's dynamic team today and be part of a company that redefines the boundaries of technology and innovation. Intel offers a plethora of job opportunities that pave the way for professional growth and personal achievement. As a leader in the tech industry, Intel is the perfect place to advance your career, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out. Work You’ll Do At Intel, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, working together to solve complex challenges and push the limits of what's possible. Our culture of innovation fosters diversity and encourages you to bring your unique perspectives to the table. Intel is not just about hardware and software; it's about empowering people to achieve more. Join Intel’s market-leading team to help drive technological advancements in numerous fields. From semiconductor engineering to AI development, your work at Intel will have a profound impact on the world’s technological landscape. Lead with Innovation Intel stands at the intersection of technology leadership and industry innovation. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that set industry standards and redefine how technology enhances our lives. Intel’s commitment to leadership development ensures that every team member is equipped with the skills needed to excel. Experience the Power of Networking and Professional Growth Intel’s global scale offers unmatched opportunities for networking and professional development. Engage with experts across different fields and participate in programs designed to hone your leadership skills and expand your professional knowledge. Intel’s dedication to career growth is evident in our robust training programs and our commitment to promoting from within. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career journey with an internship at Intel, where you can apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Our internships provide a foundation for successful careers by allowing you to work on meaningful projects and gain valuable industry experience. Intel is hiring! Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re applying for an internship or a full-time position, preparing your resume and getting ready for the interview process at Intel is an exciting step towards a promising future. Benefits and Culture Intel is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We offer competitive benefits packages that promote the well-being of our employees and their families. From health and wellness to financial and education benefits, Intel ensures that our team members have what they need to succeed. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for job opportunities that align with your career aspirations. Intel’s diverse range of employment options means there’s a place for every skill set and ambition. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work at Intel. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Intel.
Learn more about Intel
Size
121,100 employees
Market Cap
$106.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$20.8 billion
Founded
1968
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$77.8 billion
NASDAQ

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