Engineering Leader, CPU Verification

As the Engineering Leader for CPU Verification at Tenstorrent, your primary responsibilities include overseeing the development and execution of DV test plans for RISC-V CPUs, collaborating with diverse teams to align on architectures and objectives, and leading a group of expert engineers through the intricacies of verification methodologies. You'll ensure that the CPU’s microarchitecture meets the highest standards of quality, ultimately contributing to advanced AI architectures in the industry.

To qualify for the Engineering Leader, CPU Verification role at Tenstorrent, candidates should possess at least a BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Additionally, having over 15 years of experience in CPU Design Verification, including extensive knowledge of DV methodologies and having managed engineering teams for at least 8 years is crucial for this position.

Success in the Engineering Leader, CPU Verification role at Tenstorrent hinges on exceptional planning and communication capabilities, deep knowledge of computer architecture and hardware description languages, and strong collaboration skills. Familiarity with SystemVerilog, UVM, C++, and various simulation tools will also be fundamental in this dynamic position.

The compensation for engineers at Tenstorrent, including the Engineering Leader, CPU Verification role, ranges from $100k to $500k. This includes base salary plus variable compensation, with actual offers influenced by factors like experience, educational background, and location.

The work environment for the Engineering Leader, CPU Verification at Tenstorrent is collaborative and innovative. This hybrid role allows you to work from either our Austin, Texas, or Santa Clara, California locations, providing flexibility while contributing to groundbreaking AI technology. You'll be part of a diverse team that values curiosity and teamwork in a fast-paced industry.

In interviews, discuss your leadership approach, emphasizing how you encourage collaboration and innovation among your team. Mention specific practices you use to motivate engineers, such as setting clear objectives, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Share your insights on methodologies like UVM or SystemVerilog. Explain how you've implemented these methodologies in past projects, focusing on their impact on verification efficiency and quality, and how they have contributed to successful CPU designs.

Discuss strategies you’ve employed to foster cross-functional collaboration, such as regular sync meetings, collaborative goal setting, and leveraging tools that enhance communication. Provide examples of successful projects where this collaboration led to better outcomes.

In your response, elaborate on specific verification challenges you encountered, such as tight deadlines or complex design specifications. Explain the steps you took to address these issues and how you ensured the integrity of the verification process throughout.

Talk about your prioritization techniques, such as assessing project deadlines, criticality of components, and available resources. Provide examples of how you managed deadlines and team workloads to ensure that all verification projects were completed successfully.

Mentoring is crucial for developing future leaders. Discuss how you focus on empowering your team through mentorship, offering guidance, maximizing their strengths, and supporting their professional growth.

Explain your approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing communication, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground. Share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts leading to better teamwork and project outcomes.

Discuss the latest trends in CPU design verification such as automation, AI-based verification tools, and improvements in simulation technologies. Offering your perspective on future industry advancements shows your forward-thinking mindset.

Explain the criteria you use to measure the success of verification projects, such as coverage metrics, defect rates, and timely completion relative to project schedules. Highlight how these indicators align with broader project goals.

When responding to this question, express your enthusiasm for Tenstorrent’s innovative AI technology and your desire to contribute to groundbreaking developments in computing. Mention alignment with company values and the opportunity to work with diverse and talented colleagues.