SOC Validation Engineer, Senior Staff

As a Senior Staff SOC Validation Engineer at d-Matrix, your core responsibilities include working on chip bring-up and validation of a cutting-edge interference accelerator chiplet, implementing high-speed protocols like PCIe Gen5, and testing high-speed memory interfaces such as LPDDR5. You’ll also be tasked with creating and executing detailed validation plans and test automation strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams on hardware/software debugging, and procuring necessary lab equipment.

To qualify for the Senior Staff SOC Validation Engineer role at d-Matrix, candidates should hold a BS/MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering and have 7 to 15 years of post-Si validation industry experience. Familiarity with high-speed serial protocols, such as PCIe Gen3/4/5 and high-speed memory technologies like LPDDR3/LPDDR4/LPDDR5, is essential, plus experience with lab equipment like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.

Successful Senior Staff SOC Validation Engineers at d-Matrix possess excellent debugging and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration across various teams. They should also be leaders with a passion for bringing successful products to life, capable of driving team direction and strategy during chip bring-up. A strong foundation in high-speed interface testing and validation techniques is also crucial.

d-Matrix is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. They prioritize hiring the best talent, valuing qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. By fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels respected and empowered, d-Matrix ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to innovative solutions.

d-Matrix stands out as a pioneering company focused on generative AI and cutting-edge technology. Their collaborative and respectful work culture emphasizes direct communication and a commitment to tackling challenges together. This approach, combined with opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects, makes d-Matrix an exciting place for Senior Staff SOC Validation Engineers to thrive and grow.

In your answer, focus on specific projects that showcase your familiarity with high-speed protocols. Discuss the challenges you faced, the testing methodologies used, and how you successfully ensured the integrity of the data transfer. Providing quantitative results or improvements can strengthen your response.

Highlight your systematic approach to debugging, starting with identifying the source of the issue, utilizing tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and collaborating with team members to resolve problems efficiently. Share examples of past debugging challenges and the outcomes.

Discuss the importance of clear and effective communication when working with different teams, such as hardware and software engineers. Share personal examples of how strong communication has led to improved project outcomes and innovation.

Explain your leadership style, focusing on collaboration and fostering team engagement. Highlight a specific project where you provided direction, along with how you motivated your team and overcame any obstacles together, achieving successful results.

Mention your experience with specific automated testing frameworks and describe how you implemented them in your validation processes. Discuss the benefits they provided in terms of efficiency and reliability in test results.

Outline your approach to task prioritization, such as assessing overall project goals, aligning with team members on responsibilities, and utilizing tools to track progress. Emphasize your ability to adapt as priorities shift while maintaining focus.

Share your comprehensive validation strategies, including understanding requirements, defining test cases, and performing regression testing. Discuss how you ensure that every aspect of the chip design is validated effectively.

Detail a specific instance of a chip bring-up, outlining steps you took, challenges you encountered, and how you collaborated with your team to resolve issues. Highlight the successful outcome and any lessons learned.

Share your passion for innovation and technology, emphasizing your excitement about contributing to cutting-edge advancements. Discuss how your enthusiasm drives you to be detail-oriented and committed to delivering high-quality results.

Discuss your conflict resolution approach, focusing on open dialogue and understanding different perspectives. Share an example where you successfully mediated a disagreement, resulting in a positive outcome for the team.