CPU Core Feature Verification and Debug Engineer

As a CPU Core Feature Verification and Debug Engineer at Tenstorrent, you'll be responsible for functional verification focusing on core-level test planning, stimulus development, and regression debugging for simulation and emulation regressions. Your role will involve understanding ISA and microarchitectural specifications to create comprehensive test plans, as well as developing architectural coverage to ensure that core features meet the highest standards.

To qualify for the CPU Core Feature Verification and Debug Engineer position at Tenstorrent, candidates should possess a BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields, with at least 3 years of relevant experience. A strong understanding of high-performance Out-of-Order CPU microarchitecture and experience debugging RTL in a simulation environment are also critical.

At Tenstorrent, the compensation for CPU Core Feature Verification and Debug Engineers ranges from $100k to $500k, including base and variable targets. Actual offers depend on factors like your experience, skills, education, and location, ensuring that each engineer is rewarded fairly for their contribution.

Successful candidates for the CPU Core Feature Verification and Debug Engineer role at Tenstorrent should be proficient in assembly, C/C++, and UVM-based stimulus generation. Experience with Verilog or VHDL, scripting languages like Python and PERL, and familiarity with simulation and emulation environments will also be beneficial for excelling in this position.

The work culture at Tenstorrent encourages collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to solving challenging problems. Engineers work in a supportive environment, sharing knowledge and experiences to advance the development of AI technology as part of a diverse and passionate team.

When answering this question, highlight your specific experiences related to Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs), such as x86, ARM, or RISC-V. Discuss any projects where you created test plans or analyzed microarchitectural behavior based on an ISA, emphasizing your understanding of how these factors influence CPU verification.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. Be specific about the debugging tools and techniques you used, illustrate the complexity of the problem, and showcase the proactivity and creativity you exhibited to achieve a successful resolution.

Prepare to discuss systematic approaches you take when developing test plans. This may include understanding design specifications, utilizing coverage metrics, and how you collaborate with design teams to ensure the test plan addresses all critical features and potential edge cases.

Mention specific debug environments you have experience with, such as VCS, NC, or Verilator, and tools you use for waveform and log file analysis. Providing examples of how you've effectively leveraged these tools in past projects will add depth to your response.

Explain microarchitecture clearly, focusing on how it defines the implementation of an ISA and impacts performance. Discuss its importance in efficiency, power management, and how it informs your verification strategies when ensuring reliable CPU performance.

Recall a specific project where your teamwork led to success. Highlight your role, how you communicated and coordinated, and any tools or practices you relied on for efficient collaboration, showcasing your ability to contribute in a team-oriented environment.

Outline a systematic approach to task prioritization, mentioning methods such as assessing project timelines, complexity, and potential impact. Discuss how you keep stakeholders informed about progress and manage expectations effectively.

Discuss the significance of coverage in identifying testing efficacy and revealing untested areas. Explain your strategies for measuring coverage, how you develop test cases that maximize coverage, and any tools you utilize to track and report it.

When discussing stimulus generation techniques, reference both directed and random stimulus methods. Illustrate how you leverage tools and scripting languages such as Python or PERL to automate stimulus generation for various scenarios.

Emphasize your time management skills and specific techniques you use to stay focused and organized under pressure. Sharing past experiences can demonstrate your resilience and ability to maintain quality standards even in challenging situations.