CPU Validation Engineer

Job Title

CPU Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Validate CPU designs and deliver silicon-ready processors by developing and executing validation plans, performing silicon debug, and collaborating with architecture, design, verification, platform, and manufacturing teams.

This role sits on a Component Design team focused on high-performance and power-efficient CPU cores and system-level integration.

Experience Level

Entry-level / College graduate. Minimum stated experience: 0 years.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include developing validation content and infrastructure, debugging silicon, and working across teams to close functional and performance issues.

• Define, develop, and execute functional validation for CPU internals and system-level CPU integration.
• Develop postsilicon validation infrastructure (performance monitors, behavioral checkers, coverage) and test environments.
• Perform silicon debug and root-cause analysis for functional and triage failures.
• Test interactions among CPU features and validate performance, power, and area goals.
• Review design changes to assess impact on validation plans and timelines.
• Collaborate with architecture, design, verification, board, platform, and manufacturing teams to improve validation and debug methodologies.
• Create validation content using microcode, firmware, or custom OS builds when required.
• Work across simulation, emulation, and FPGA environments throughout the product lifecycle.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and attributes; preferred items are listed separately.

• Must-have: Knowledge of CPU architecture and processor microarchitecture.
• Must-have: Proficiency with C/C++ and Python.
• Must-have: Strong analytical and debugging skills; ability to triage complex failures.
• Must-have: Effective collaboration skills to work across functional teams.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with Verilog/SystemVerilog and x86 assembly.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with RTL simulation, emulation, and RTL-level or SoC-level debug.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with basic lab hardware (oscilloscope, power supplies) and postsilicon/infrastructure development.
• Nice-to-have: Experience using AI agents in projects or development workflows.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field is specified. The posting also references coursework in VLSI/Digital Design. Minimum stated experience: 0 years.

About the Company

Company: Intel Corporation

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA

Intel Corporation is a leading multinational technology company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions, including microprocessors, artificial intelligence accelerators, and memory products. Headquartered in the United States, Intel focuses on cutting-edge technology and a collaborative working environment, driving advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to meet global demands. The company emphasizes professional development and aims to shape the future of technology through groundbreaking designs.