Sr Performance Validation Engineer

Key job responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive validation strategies for silicon performance during the pre-silicon phase using RTL simulations, emulation platforms, and virtual prototypes.
• Develop test plans that verify performance against design specifications before tape-out.
• Create and maintain validation infrastructure including test benches, performance models, simulation environments, and automated validation frameworks.
• Create methodologies for accurate performance prediction and correlation with expected post-silicon results.
• Identify performance bottlenecks through simulation and analysis, working with design teams to implement optimization strategies before tape-out.
• Debug and Root Cause Analysis
• Create comprehensive checklists and procedures for performance validation activities.
• Work closely with architecture, RTL design, verification and emulation teams to ensure performance requirements are met throughout the pre-silicon development cycle.
• Provide early feedback to design teams on performance optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with external partners and vendors on emulation and virtual platform activities.

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years of UVM, C, System C, and scripting experience
• Deep understanding of digital design principles, timing analysis, and power management techniques
• Expertise in pre-silicon performance validation methodologies for complex SoCs or processors using simulation, emulation, and virtual platforms
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field with 7+ years of experience
• Proficiency with industry-standard tools including RTL simulators (VCS, Questa, Xcelium), emulation platforms (Palladium, Zebu), and performance analysis tools
• Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, SystemVerilog, or similar languages for test automation and performance modeling
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor design flows from architecture to tape-out and their impact on performance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Proven track record of successful pre-silicon performance validation on multiple tape-outs
• Understanding of performance modeling techniques and correlation methodologies
• Familiarity with industry standards and protocols relevant to the target application domain
• Experience with machine learning accelerators, multi-core processors, or similar complex digital designs is a plus
• Experience with emulation-based validation of multi-core processors or SoCs
• Knowledge of UPF (Unified Power Format) and low-power design techniques, performance modeling and early power estimation methodologies
• Experience with virtual prototyping and transaction-level modeling (TLM)
• Retail design experience is beneficial