IC Validation Engineer

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join a team validating cutting-edge silicon products for high-performance computing, storage, and next-generation system architectures. You will work hands-on with prototype silicon, emulation platforms, embedded firmware, and lab equipment, debugging complex system interactions, writing low-level code, and working directly with hardware. The company is hiring across Junior, Mid, Senior, and Staff levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute validation test plans for emulation platforms and prototype silicon
• Write and debug embedded C/C++ firmware and/or host-side applications for system-level validation
• Build Python-based automation scripts to control protocol exercisers and lab equipment
• Work hands-on in the lab with logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, and other validation tools
• Collaborate with firmware, software, FPGA emulation, and hardware design teams
• Drive system-level debug, root-cause analysis, and issue resolution across hardware + firmware boundaries
• Support initial silicon bring-up, reference board validation, and system integration
• Contribute to engineering documentation, technical notes, and internal knowledge sharing
• Present technical findings to engineering teams and help onboard others to new product behavior

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Coding skills in any language (C is a bonus!)
• Hands-on lab experience with logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.
• Embedded firmware experience: system drivers, low-level FW, or board bring-up
• Solid understanding of computer architecture and system-level execution
• ARM architecture familiarity (Nice to Have)
• PCIe (Gen3/4/5) protocol knowledge (Nice to Have)
• Linux development or debug experience (Nice to Have)
• Python automation experience (Nice to Have)
• Exposure to emulation platforms or FPGA prototyping (Nice to Have)

Qualifications

• Validation engineers
• Embedded firmware engineers who want to transition into validation
• System-level engineers who enjoy hardware + software interaction
• Hands-on lab engineers who love working with real silicon and real equipment

Compensation

• Engineer: up to $210k total package
• Senior Engineer: up to $280k total package
• Staff Engineer: up to $400k total package

Specific base, bonus percentages, and stock details vary by level.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• FSA and HSA
• 401k with 6% match
• ESPP
• Flexible/Unlimited PTO
• Annual bonus from 15-30% (depending on level)
• Very generous stocks

Location

• Colorado Springs, CO (onsite)
• $35,000 relocation offered