AI Silicon, Silicon Validation Engineer

About the role

Since 2022, AI has transformed industries ranging from education and software development to consumer behaviors. This transformation has highlighted a critical need for more efficient computation, which is currently constrained by energy efficiency, not just in datacenters but globally. At Unconventional, we aim to address this challenge by developing a new computing foundation for AI that is 1000x more efficient. Our approach leverages semiconductor physics to map neural networks directly onto device physics, bypassing traditional layers of inefficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead the initial power-on and bring-up of new silicon prototypes and hardware platforms in the lab.
• Evaluate and benchmark the functionality, performance, and power consumption of complex mixed-signal circuits to ensure alignment with design specifications and simulation models.
• Utilize lab test equipment, such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and power analyzers, to identify, triage, and solve anomalies across silicon, board, and software.
• Design and maintain Python-based automation frameworks to accelerate characterization throughput, test repeatability, and data reporting.
• Collaborate with the System Modeling and both Analog and Digital Design teams to define validation requirements, interpret simulation-to-silicon correlation, and drive root-cause analysis.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in post-silicon bring-up, hardware validation, or silicon characterization.
• Familiarity with operating lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers, etc).
• Demonstrated proficiency in characterizing and debugging mixed-signal circuits.
• Experience with Python programming and lab automation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in post-silicon bring-up, hardware validation, or silicon characterization.
• Familiarity with operating lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers, etc).
• Demonstrated proficiency in characterizing and debugging mixed-signal circuits.
• Experience with Python programming and lab automation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Skills

• Experience evaluating the performance tradeoffs of current neural network architectures.
• Experience with correlating mixed-signal measurements on silicon to simulation models.
• Understanding of hardware/software co-design concepts for machine learning inference or training.
• Familiarity with FPGA emulation and RTL simulation to leverage pre-silicon verification for post-silicon bring-up.
• Familiarity with AI automation.

Benefits

A comprehensive package including best-in-class health benefits, 401k matching, truly unlimited PTO, and complimentary meals in our Palo Alto office.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday.