Hardware Electrical Validation Engineer

Job Title

Hardware Electrical Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Work within Intel's Networking Solutions Group (NSG) to develop and execute electrical validation for PCIe-based Network Interface Cards (fNIC and IPU). The role owns board-level electrical validation, signal and power integrity testing, and debug activities that affect product quality and schedule.

Cross-functional collaboration with architecture, design, firmware, software, manufacturing, and validation teams is required to bring hardware to qualification.

Experience Level

Mid-level. The role expects approximately 4+ years of relevant electrical/hardware validation experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute electrical validation plans for SoCs integrated into PCIe-based NICs/IPUs.
• Define validation methodologies, test coverage, and success criteria for networking hardware.
• Perform signal integrity, power integrity, and electrical compliance testing on high-speed interfaces using automation tools.
• Identify, debug, and resolve issues spanning hardware, firmware, and system interactions.
• Conduct board-level electrical characterization using oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, thermal chambers, and Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) equipment.
• Analyze validation data and produce clear technical reports.
• Develop automation and data-analysis scripts (e.g., Python) to improve test efficiency and coverage.
• Support hardware bring-up, system margin testing, environmental stress testing, and compliance qualification activities.

Requirements

Must-have:

• 4+ years of electrical/hardware validation experience focused on high-speed interfaces.
• Hands-on experience with signal integrity testing and analysis.
• Experience with validation infrastructure and tools for I/O and mixed-signal architectures.
• Familiarity with datacom applications and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to debug electrical designs and resolve validation issues across hardware and firmware.
• Hands-on use of lab instrumentation: digital oscilloscopes, lab power supplies, digital multimeters, thermal chambers, and BERT equipment.
• Test-plan development and validation results analysis.
• Knowledge of board circuit schematics, layout/placement, power sequencing/regulation, clock specifications, and board power design.
• Scripting skills for test automation and data analysis (Python or similar).
• Familiarity with PC/PCIe platforms and NIC system architecture; experience with Microsoft tools.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with fiber optics (SFP/QSFP), BER testing, and optical components.
• Experience with Bit Error Testers, ESD scanners, and automated test systems.
• Background in advanced electrical validation procedures and system margin testing.
• Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary architecture, design, and validation teams.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field is specified. The role expects approximately 4+ years of relevant electrical/hardware validation experience.

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.