SOC Functional Validation Engineer

About the Role

As a SoC Functional Validation Engineer, you will play an integral role in ensuring the quality and reliability of Intel's state-of-the-art System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions. In this position, you will define, develop, and execute validation plans for integrated SoCs, focusing on post-silicon validation, debugging, and optimization. Your contributions will directly impact the performance and functionality of Intel products.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute post-silicon validation plans to ensure compliance with design specifications and requirements.
• Perform functional validation for integrated SoCs, focusing on IP integration, system-level features, and interaction between components.
• Collaborate with architects, RTL designers, firmware teams, and other engineering groups to understand system-level requirements and features.
• Design and implement directed and random test cases to validate hardware/software interactions and ensure functional coverage closure.
• Debug SoC failures, identify root causes, and implement solutions or workarounds as required.
• Utilize tools such as Python, C, or C++ for test development and automation scripting.
• Analyze and modify test results, adapt test codes, and address coverage gaps to improve validation accuracy.
• Prepare and track validation requirements in collaboration with firmware, hardware, and platform teams.
• Develop and optimize validation methodologies, tools, and automation frameworks to streamline testing processes.
• Participate in project meetings, provide regular status updates, and escalate critical issues.
• Contribute to the development of new validation tools and methodologies.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Proficiency in Python, C, or C++ for test content creation and automation scripting.
• Strong understanding of computer architecture, microarchitecture, and operating system concepts.
• Experience with pre-silicon platforms such as emulators or Virtual Prototypes for test code development.
• Demonstrated ability to debug software and hardware issues, identify root causes, and provide effective solutions.
• Knowledge of system hardware/software validation techniques and methodologies.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) for reporting metrics and tracking progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or related field, with 0 - 1 years of relevant experience in validation, test development, or debugging.
• Alternatively, a Master's degree in the relevant field with no prior professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid understanding of x86 architecture and its interactions with hardware and software components.
• Hands-on experience with silicon debug tools, failure analysis methods, or system-level validation infrastructure.
• Familiarity with AI-driven workflows or tools for test plan development and analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment.