Validation Engineer

About the role

We are seeking an experienced System Validation Engineer to join a team responsible for the integration, bring-up, and validation of next-generation System-on-Chip (SoC) products used in data center, storage, and high-performance computing environments. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy solving complex technical challenges, working hands-on with cutting-edge hardware and software, and developing innovative validation solutions. You will work closely with design, firmware, software, verification, and hardware teams to ensure products meet functional, performance, and industry standards requirements.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain validation infrastructure, including:
  • Prototype boards
  • FPGAs
  • Embedded software
  • Device drivers
  • Test bench scripts
• Develop block, subsystem, and system-level validation tests and automation frameworks.
• Integrate prototype SoC hardware and firmware into complete system-level solutions.
• Design, execute, and document comprehensive validation plans and test coverage.
• Run complex validation and debug activities in laboratory environments.
• Investigate, isolate, and resolve hardware, firmware, and system-level issues.
• Capture, analyze, and troubleshoot protocol traces.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to identify and resolve product defects.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support both pre-silicon and post-silicon validation activities.

Requirements

• Experience in IC and SoC functional validation.
• Prior experience with prototype SoC integration and validation.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills in complex hardware/software environments.
• Experience working with:
  • Prototype ICs
  • Validation boards
  • Hardware infrastructure
  • Laboratory test equipment
• Knowledge of digital systems and computer architecture.
• Strong understanding of data communications and digital design concepts.
• Proficiency in:
  • Python and/or Tcl/Tk scripting
  • C/C++ programming
• Experience developing test plans, validation software, and automation frameworks.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with:
  • PCIe
  • SAS/SATA
  • DDR4/DDR5
  • I2C
  • SPI
• Ability to capture, analyze, and interpret protocol traces.
• Experience defining test coverage based on design specifications, feature requirements, and industry standards.
• Knowledge of firmware-based debugging environments.
• Experience working in Linux and Windows environments.
• Familiarity with emulation platforms, FPGAs, and prototype hardware development.

Skills

• SoC Validation
• Debugging & Root Cause Analysis
• Test Automation & Scripting
• PCIe / SAS / SATA Protocols
• Prototype Hardware Integration
• Python & C/C++ Development

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience validating complex SoCs, building automated test environments, debugging hardware and firmware issues, and working with high-speed communication protocols. They are highly analytical, thrive in a collaborative engineering environment, and enjoy bringing new technologies from prototype to production.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $100.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract position based out of Roseville, CA. This is a fully onsite position in Roseville, CA.