Sr Power Validation Engineer (NetSec)

Palo Alto Networks • Santa Clara, CA

2d • $124,500 - $201,300

About The Position

As a member of Palo Alto Networks’ Hardware Engineering team, the Senior Power Validation Engineer performs hands-on validation testing for power delivery circuits, including DC/DC converters, LDOs, and load switches. The role applies a system-level design approach and works closely with board design, layout, and lab teams on board power design reviews, characterization, and validation. The broader interdisciplinary team includes board design, mechanical engineering, signal integrity, PCB layout, and validation test, with additional collaboration across product management, software, operations, and quality assurance.

The engineer contributes to power solution recommendations for CPU subsystems, network switching chips, and other devices; generates sample schematics; reviews board layouts; and supports system bring-up. The role also executes validation plans and develops automated test scripts for lab equipment and high-throughput data collection, using AI where possible to automate testing and analyze results. Troubleshooting includes power-system transient response, stability, and thermal-management issues.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 2–3 years of experience in power validation testing or power electronics design.
• Demonstrated ability to write Python scripts for test automation.
• Proficiency with PyVISA or SCPI commands to communicate with and control laboratory hardware.
• Experience with Windows batch files and Linux shell scripting for automated test-environment setup and execution.
• In-depth knowledge of Buck, Boost, and LDO regulators, including feedback-loop stability and efficiency analysis.
• Advanced understanding of capacitors, including MLCC, Tantalum, and Polymer types, and inductors, including frequency-dependent characteristics such as ESR and ESL and DC/AC bias effects.
• Strong understanding of transistor theory, including MOSFETs and BJTs, for switching and linear applications.
• Proficiency in analog circuit fundamentals, including operational amplifiers and sensing circuits.
• Knowledge and operation of Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), oscilloscopes, Digital Multimeters (DMM), and programmable AC/DC power supplies.
• Familiarity with Arbitrary Wave Generators for power-circuit testing.
• Experience configuring electronic loads for transient and steady-state load profiling.
• Proven track record of troubleshooting hardware-software interface issues.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with the Keysight N6705 DC Power Analyzer.
• Experience with networking products.

Responsibilities

• Recommend board-level power solutions for CPU subsystems, network switching chips, and other devices using LDOs and switching regulators, based on board designer requirements.
• Generate sample schematics, review board layouts, and assist with system bring-up.
• Execute comprehensive system validation test plans and automated test suites to characterize DC/DC converters.
• Develop and maintain scripts to interface with lab equipment for automated, high-throughput data collection.
• Use AI where possible to further automate testing and results analysis.
• Troubleshoot power-system issues, including transient response, stability, and thermal management.
• Collaborate with board design, layout, lab, mechanical engineering, signal integrity, PCB layout, product management, software, operations, and quality assurance teams.

What This Job Offers

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