SoC Power Validation Engineer

Qualcomm • San Diego, CA

4d • $101,400 - $152,200

About The Position

Qualcomm Technologies’ validation team is part of the Global SoC hardware organization and is responsible for overall SoC silicon quality. The team works closely with architects, designers, verification engineers, software engineers, and customers.

The SoC Power Validation Engineer uses post-silicon validation techniques to verify CPU, GPU, DDR, and NOC power at core and system levels. The role requires understanding of digital design fundamentals, SoC power trees, and low-power techniques, as well as knowledge of SoC system architecture and power reduction and optimization methods. The engineer performs pre-silicon and post-silicon power, thermal, and performance correlation and analysis, conducts silicon characterization, debugs hardware and software issues, and automates validation workflows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer and/or Electrical Engineering; the minimum qualification also lists a bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Understanding of mobile chip architecture, including CPU, GPU, DDR, and NOCs, and ability to debug low-level software and hardware issues.
• Basic RTL understanding and exposure to transistor power fundamentals.
• Excellent programming and scripting skills in preferred languages, including C and Python.
• Good analytical and multitasking skills, with an understanding of deadline requirements.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment on complex SoCs.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Computer and/or Electrical Engineering.
• Knowledge of Python or similar scripting languages for automation.
• Familiarity with prompt engineering to utilize AI.
• Experience in silicon parametric testing or characterization, such as Vmin or power.
• Ability to use lab equipment for testing and validation, including logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Experience with debug tools such as JTAG and kernel debuggers, including Lauterbach Trace32.
• Green card or citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-silicon and post-silicon power, thermal, and performance correlation, debugging, and system-level analysis across various SoC IPs.
• Execute regression and PVT (Process, Voltage, Temperature) testing across different parts, lots, and wafers; analyze results and extract key metrics.
• Collaborate with architects, designers, and verification engineers to define and execute validation plans and identify gaps and risks.
• Document observations and analysis, and propose solutions to optimize hardware and software for low chipset power consumption.
• Debug low-level software and hardware issues using tools such as JTAG and kernel debuggers.
• Conduct Vmin/Fmax measurements and collect data for performance characterization.
• Automate validation flows, data collection, and analysis using Python or similar scripting languages.

Benefits

• Competitive annual discretionary bonus program.
• Opportunity for annual RSU grants, except for employees on sales-incentive plans.
• Competitive benefits package designed to support employees at work, at home, and at play.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level