SOC Validation Engineer, Principal

As a Principal SOC Validation Engineer at d-Matrix, your main responsibilities involve the validation and debugging of cutting-edge interference accelerator chiplet designs, particularly focusing on high-speed serial protocols like PCIe Gen5 and memory interfaces such as LPDDR5. You will create and execute comprehensive validation plans and develop automated test scripts for high-speed interfaces while collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring cohesive development and testing processes.

To qualify for the Principal SOC Validation Engineer position at d-Matrix, you should possess a BS/MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering, coupled with 15+ years of industry experience in post-Si validation. Additionally, having at least 3-5 years in a leadership or managerial role is essential. You should be well-versed in high-speed serial protocols, memory technologies, and debugging with various lab equipment.

At d-Matrix, collaboration is central to our culture. As a Principal SOC Validation Engineer, you'll work closely with hardware, software, and operations teams, fostering open communication and teamwork. We value diverse perspectives and create a supportive environment where team members are encouraged to share insights and ideas, aiming for superior outcomes in product development.

In the Principal SOC Validation Engineer role at d-Matrix, you will engage with advanced tools and technologies. You'll work with high-speed serial protocols like PCIe Gen5, external memory technologies such as LPDDR5, and utilize lab instrumentation like oscilloscopes, pattern generators, and logic analyzers to ensure thorough validation and debugging of chip designs.

The work environment at d-Matrix for a Principal SOC Validation Engineer is inclusive and collaborative. With a hybrid work model that includes on-site work in Santa Clara, you’ll find an engaging atmosphere where direct communication is encouraged, and different viewpoints are valued, ultimately driving innovative problem-solving and successful product outcomes.

When responding to this question, highlight specific instances where you utilized high-speed serial protocols like PCIe. Discuss challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes. This showcases both your technical expertise and problem-solving skills, essential for the SOC Validation Engineer role at d-Matrix.

In answering this question, detail the methodology you follow for testing and validation. Discuss the creation of a structured validation plan, the execution of automated tests, and your approach for debugging issues. This emphasizes your ability to oversee comprehensive testing processes, which is vital for the role.

Share concrete examples of challenges from past projects and the specific steps taken to overcome them. This could include technical difficulties, team collaboration hurdles, or time constraints. Emphasizing your proactive problem-solving strategies reflects your readiness for the SOC Validation Engineer position at d-Matrix.

Discuss your experiences working with cross-functional teams. Highlight the importance of open communication, sharing goals, and leveraging diverse expertise. Providing examples of successful collaborations showcases your ability to integrate within the d-Matrix team environment, which highly values cooperation.

When discussing lab equipment, provide details about the specific tools you have used, such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and pattern generators. Highlight how you used these tools in past projects to validate designs, proving your hands-on experience that is crucial for the role at d-Matrix.

Describe your debugging strategies, such as systematic isolation of issues, iterative testing methods, and clear documentation of processes. This insight will illustrate your thorough understanding of the validation process and your capability to address potential challenges as a Principal SOC Validation Engineer.

Provide a strategy you employ to prioritize tasks effectively, such as using project management tools or methodologies like Agile. Discuss specific examples that showcase your ability to manage multiple responsibilities, which is crucial for keeping pace with the dynamic work at d-Matrix.

Share your passion for technology and the satisfaction of overcoming challenging validation tasks. Emphasizing your commitment to producing high-quality products aligns with d-Matrix's focus on excellence and innovation.

Discuss the resources you utilize, such as industry publications, online courses, and professional networks, to keep informed about technological advancements. This demonstrates your dedication to continuous learning, which is highly valued at d-Matrix.

Emphasize the importance of accuracy in validation to ensure the functionality and reliability of chip designs. Your answer should reflect an understanding of the impact of rigorous testing on overall product success, resonating with d-Matrix's commitment to quality.