Microprocessor Silicon Validation and Optimization Engineer (Staff)

Job Title

Microprocessor Silicon Validation and Optimization Engineer (Staff)

Role Summary

Senior ASIC engineer responsible for validation, optimization, and implementation of microprocessor IP and SoC blocks. Works within the ASICS Engineering group to ensure high-performance, low-power silicon meets system requirements.

Collaborates with cross-functional teams (software, hardware architecture, product and program management) to define implementation strategies and drive silicon readiness from design through post-silicon validation.

Experience Level

Senior — Staff-level role. Qualcomm prefers candidates with substantial ASIC design/verification/validation experience (preferred 6+ years of relevant industry experience).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include technical definition, validation, and cross-team execution for complex ASIC/SoC deliverables.

• Define, model, design, optimize, verify, validate, implement, and document IP/block and SoC-level designs.
• Create architectures, circuit specifications, logic designs, and system simulations based on system-level requirements.
• Evaluate full implementation flow (design to synthesis, place-and-route, timing and power analysis, and verification) or custom circuit/layout flow as applicable.
• Use RTL-to-GDS and analog/layout flows and tools (e.g., Virtuoso) to execute advanced block and SoC implementation.
• Write and review detailed technical documentation for EDA/IP/ASIC projects.
• Collaborate across software, hardware, product, and program teams to meet customer and system requirements.

Requirements

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

• Must-have: Proven experience in ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or closely related roles.
• Must-have: Experience with design verification methods and using architecture/design tools.
• Must-have: Scripting and programming experience for automation and validation tasks.
• Must-have: Strong verbal and written communication; ability to work independently and provide guidance to team members.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with RTL-to-GDS flows, Virtuoso, system-level simulation, timing and power analysis workflows.
• Nice-to-have: Experience interacting with senior leadership and influencing technical decisions.

Education Requirements

Degree and years-of-experience options listed by Qualcomm: Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field with 4+ years of relevant ASIC design/verification/validation/integration experience; OR Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; OR PhD in Science, Engineering, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience. Preferred: Master's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.

About the Company

Company: Qualcomm

Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States

Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.