Principal Validation Lead (ASIC)

TL;DR

Principal Validation Lead (ASIC): Leading lab validation strategy and execution for advanced ASIC/SoC products with an accent on high-speed interfaces like CXL 3.x, PCIe, and HBM. Focus on silicon bring-up, lab automation infrastructure development, and cross-functional technical leadership of validation activities from first silicon through production.

Location: Must be based in Santa Clara, CA

Salary: $150,680 - $225,700 per annum

Company

A leader in semiconductor solutions providing the essential building blocks for data infrastructure across enterprise, cloud, and AI architectures.

What you will do

• Define overall validation strategy and test plans for complex ASIC/SoC devices.
• Lead hands-on silicon bring-up, platform configuration, and interface-level validation.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to validation engineers regarding debug and task prioritization.
• Configure and operate advanced lab equipment including oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and BERTs.
• Drive the development of lab automation and data analysis infrastructure using Python or TCL.
• Coordinate root-cause investigations across firmware, board design, and hardware teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 8+ years of industry experience in silicon or system validation.
• Strong expertise in at least two of: CXL, PCIe, DDR, HBM, or high-speed SerDes.
• Proven track record leading bring-up and validation for complex products.
• Proficiency with lab automation scripting (Python, TCL, shell, MATLAB).
• Eligibility to access U.S. export-controlled technology is required.

Nice to have

• Experience leading small validation teams or acting as a multi-site technical lead.
• Familiarity with DFT features like scan, BIST, and JTAG.
• Knowledge of signal integrity and power integrity (SI/PI) concepts.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive financial well-being programs including an employee stock purchase plan.
• Robust mental and physical health resources.
• Support for work-life balance and family care.
• Commitment to long-term innovation and professional development.

Hiring process

• Interviews evaluate individual experience, thought process, and communication skills.
• Use of AI tools during interviews is strictly prohibited and leads to disqualification.