CPU Validation Engineer

Job Title

CPU Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Design and execute functional and post-silicon validation for CPU cores and platform integration to ensure performance, power, and correctness targets are met. Work across architecture, design, verification, board, platform, and manufacturing teams to debug silicon issues and improve validation methodologies.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Early career. The posting indicates Bachelor's +2 years, Master's +1 year, or PhD with no required experience (see Education Requirements for details).

Responsibilities

Validate CPU internals and system-level features, develop test plans and infrastructure, and drive root-cause analysis for functional and performance issues.

• Develop and execute CPU functional validation plans and methodologies.
• Use hardware and software tools to validate performance, power, and area goals.
• Perform silicon debug and failure triage across simulation, emulation, FPGA, and silicon environments.
• Build postsilicon validation infrastructure (performance monitors, behavioral checkers, coverage tools).
• Collaborate with architecture, design, verification, board, platform, and manufacturing teams on debug and validation strategy.
• Review design changes for validation impact and adjust plans and timelines accordingly.
• Document and publish validation reports and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items listed where noted.

• Knowledge of CPU architecture and processor microarchitecture.
• Proficiency in high-level programming: C/C++ and Python.
• Experience with silicon debug and root-cause analysis for functional failures.
• Experience with validation infrastructure and test development for CPU features.
• Familiarity with simulation, emulation, and FPGA-based validation environments.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills and ability to collaborate across teams.
• Nice-to-have: Verilog/SystemVerilog, x86 assembly, RTL simulation and module-/SoC-level debugging, lab hardware experience (oscilloscope, power supplies), experience using AI agents in development.

Education Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field (Bachelor's +2 years of relevant experience), OR a Master’s degree in those fields (Master's +1 year), OR a PhD (0 years required). The posting allows equivalent combinations of degree, research, and relevant job or internship experience and references coursework in VLSI/digital design.

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.