About the role- We are seeking a hands-on Validation Engineer to take our custom silicon devices from first power-on to production readiness. Embedded in a cross-functional team spanning analog design, logic design and package design, you will own bringup, debug, and end-to-end characterization bridging design intent and real-world silicon behavior.
What you'll do- Lead silicon bringup for new silicon tape-outs - first power-on through functional validation
- Develop and execute structured test plans covering functional, electrical, and performance validation
- Characterize analog and digital circuit behavior against the product spec
- Build automated test infrastructure using Python/Perl for high-throughput characterization
- Debug complex mixed-signal devices - power, clocking, mixed-signal interfaces using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and protocol analyzers
- Validate high-speed interfaces including signal integrity analysis
- Root-cause issues; distinguish design vs. process vs. board-level failures
Required Qualifications- BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering from a top research university
- 2-8 years of hands-on chip or system bringup and validation experience
- Proficiency in Python or Perl for test automation and data analysis
- Experience validating high-speed serial interfaces
- Understanding of analog fundamentals such signal integrity, transmission lines, feedback theory, and voltage/current source compliance testing
- Understand frequency domain and time-domain measurements and correlations
- Solid analog circuit knowledge: bias networks, LDOs, PLLs, ADCs/DACs, and mixed signal interfaces - and the hands-on instincts to debug them at the bench
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, layout files, and datasheet specs
Preferred Qualifications- PVT corner characterization and yield analysis experience
- Prior experience taping out a custom ASIC from prototype to production
- Reliability testing exposure: HTOL, ELFR, ESD/latch-up
Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)
- Competitive salary and equity
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Flexible vacation and time-off policy
- Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team
The pay range for this role is:
170,000 - 250,000 USD per year (Bay Area, CA)
