Validation Engineer

About the role

As a System Validation Engineer in the Data Center Solutions Business Unit (DCS), you will join a team of world-class system integrators responsible for the bring-up, integration, and validation of cutting-edge System on a Chip (SoC) products. These products include Storage Controllers, Memory Controllers, NVMe SSD Controllers, PCIe Switches, and SAS Expanders deployed in Cloud Storage and Compute Data Centers, as well as Storage Area Networks.

Responsibilities

• Design and build the infrastructure required to integrate and validate SoCs for their intended use models, including prototype ecosystems such as boards, FPGAs, firmware, software, and automation suites.
• Integrate validation environments with internally developed test equipment, protocol analyzers, exercisers, and x86-based hardware.
• Develop comprehensive test plans using design specifications, marketing requirements, and industry standards such as PCIe, CXL, DDR4/5, SAS, SATA, NAND flash, and others relevant to Cloud Data and Compute Centers or Storage Area Networks.
• Develop and execute pre- and post-silicon tests to fully exercise prototype SoCs and embedded firmware.
• Build and maintain validation infrastructure through the development of boards, FPGAs, embedded software, device drivers, and test bench scripts.
• Develop block, subsystem, and system-level test firmware and scripts, integrating them into best-in-class test automation suites.
• Lead activities in areas of technical expertise, run complex tests, and conduct investigations in lab environments both onsite and remotely.
• Find and report bugs, working with cross-functional teams to isolate, investigate, and resolve issues.
• Learn and dynamically apply knowledge of devices, systems, protocols, and industry standards.
• Present technical information effectively to internal and external groups.
• Integrate prototype SoC hardware and firmware into complete solutions, including emulation platforms, proto-ICs, validation boards, firmware, and software to enable functional testing and firmware development.
• Develop, execute, and document feature tests to validate SoC operation, ensuring all components and the overall SoC function per design specifications, achieve expected performance, and meet industry requirements and standards.

Requirements

• Experience in IC and SoC functional validation.
• Demonstrated expertise in specific validation subject areas.
• Experience working with prototype ICs, boards, and hardware infrastructure.
• Experience working in a lab environment and knowledge of relevant test equipment and protocol analyzers.
• Experience in debug and investigation of SoCs using firmware and MIPS debug environments.
• Strong knowledge of digital system and computer architecture.
• Strong knowledge of data communication and digital design theory.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or Tcl/Tk, and C/C++ programming.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and execute functional validation plans and necessary validation software and scripts with minimal supervision.
• Working knowledge of PCIe and/or SAS/SATA protocols and the ability to read and analyze protocol traces.
• Familiarity with DDR4/5, I2C, and SPI protocols is an asset.
• Experience defining comprehensive test coverage at sub-block and system levels using design specifications, feature requirements, and industry standards.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies, protocols, and standards.
• Comfort working with developing specifications and standards.
• Team player who works well with peers and cross-functional groups.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in Linux and Windows-based operating systems.

Skills

• Validation
• Debug
• Automation testing

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior prototype SoC integration and validation experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience testing, debugging, and problem-solving complex SoCs is required.
• Knowledge of PCIe or SAS/SATA protocols is important, as is experience capturing and reviewing protocol traces.
• Experience defining test coverage and building, scripting, and automating complex test benches.

Pay

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

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contribution options
• Life insurance (voluntary life and AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Time off/leave (PTO, vacation, or sick leave)