Job Description:
Microchip Technology Inc. has a Senior Engineer I 6Validation opening based in Austin, TX. This role is part of the USB, Ethernet, and Networking Validation Team, responsible for validation of advanced connectivity products such as Ethernet PHYs, Ethernet switches, USB 3.2 hubs, and PCI Express devices, operating at data rates exceeding 25Gbps.
The successful candidate will act as a technical leader in validation scoping, execution, debug, and results analysis, working closely with Design Engineering, Verification Engineering, Applications Engineering, Product Marketing, and Field teams to ensure high quality, production ready silicon.
Responsibilities:
- Execute validation and characterization activities for high-speed connectivity products
- Develop and run validation test plans based on architecture specifications, datasheets, and verification collateral
- Perform hands-on lab validation, silicon bring-up, and interoperability testing
- Support validation board bring-up and review schematics/layouts for debug readiness
- Analyze validation results, identify failures, and drive root-cause investigation with Design and Verification teams
- Develop scripts and automation tools for validation, data collection, and lab efficiency improvements
- Use lab equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and signal generators for debug and characterization
- Collaborate with Design Engineering, Verification Engineering, Applications Engineering, and Product Engineering teams on technical problem solving
- Document validation results, debug findings, and technical recommendations clearly and effectively
- Support customer issue analysis and reproduction in collaboration with Applications and Field teams
- Contribute to continuous improvement of validation methodologies, automation, and lab infrastructure
Requirements/Qualifications:
- Bachelor 2 or master 2 degree in electrical engineering or related discipline
- 5+ years of experience in silicon validation, hardware debug, or system-level testing of complex ICs or connectivity products
- Strong hands-on experience with:
- PCB bring-up and hardware debugging
- Power, clocking, reset, and signal integrity fundamentals
- Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers
- Hands-on experience with Ethernet technologies compliant with IEEE 802.3 standards.
- Familiarity with Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588 PTP), SyncE, and MACsec concepts and debug methodologies
- Understanding of high-speed Ethernet architectures including optical interfaces, backplane Ethernet, KR/KR-S interfaces, FEC, and Retimer concepts
- Ability to analyze technical issues independently and drive root-cause resolution
- Experience with scripting or automation using Python or similar languages
- Familiarity with JIRA or similar debug/issue tracking systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Self-motivated and capable of working effectively in a collaborative engineering environment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Understanding of high-speed connectivity protocols:
- Ethernet IEEE 802.3
- IEEE 1588 PTP
- IEEE 802.1AE MACsec
- USB (USB 2.0 / USB 3.x)
- PCI Express
- Experience with Ethernet PHYs, Ethernet switches, optical modules, and high-speed serial interfaces
- Experience with silicon characterization and performance analysis
- Experience reviewing board schematics and layouts for validation/debug support
- Exposure to automation frameworks for validation and lab control
- Experience supporting system-level debug or customer-reported technical issues
Travel Time:
0% - 25%
Physical Attributes:
Feeling, Hearing, Reaching, Seeing, Talking, Works Alone, Works Around Others
Physical Requirements:
10% Standing, 10% Walking, 80% Sitting, 100% Inside-MF 8-5PM
