CPU Pre-Silicon Verification Engineer (Semiconductors)

TL;DR

CPU Pre-Silicon Verification Engineer (Semiconductors): Developing and executing validation strategies to ensure the quality of next-generation CPU cores with an accent on microarchitecture behavior and system-level interactions. Focus on building comprehensive test plans, performing root cause analysis, and optimizing validation methodologies across simulation and emulation environments.

Location: Must be based in Folsom, California, US (On-site)

Salary: $164,470.00-232,190.00 USD

Company

Global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, developing high-performance processors that power AI, cloud computing, and client platforms.

What you will do

• Define and execute pre-silicon validation plans for CPU core designs.
• Validate CPU functionality and microarchitecture behavior across simulation, emulation, and FPGA environments.
• Develop validation content, test scenarios, and infrastructure to improve coverage.
• Perform debug, root cause analysis, and failure triage for functional issues discovered during validation.
• Collaborate with architecture and design teams to optimize product quality and validation effectiveness.
• Develop and enhance automation frameworks, checkers, monitors, and validation tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS with 5+ years of experience, or Master's degree with 3+ years of experience in pre-silicon verification.
• Proficiency in SystemVerilog, Verilog, or VHDL.
• Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, Perl, or Java.
• Experience developing comprehensive pre-silicon validation test plans and coverage models.
• On-site presence in Folsom, California is required.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of x86 core architecture and instruction set.
• Experience with Specman E and/or OVM/UVM.
• Experience in IP/SOC ASIC Validation.
• Expertise in coverage-driven validation.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package including base pay and stock bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and vacation benefit programs.
• Opportunity to work on industry-leading CPU architectures and shape the future of computing.
• Highly collaborative environment partnering with world-class architects and designers.