Principal Digital Validation Engineer

Job Title

Principal Digital Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Lead system- and post-silicon validation for SoCs and IP. Work with architects, hardware and software teams to define and execute validation and characterization plans, deliver RTOS-based SDKs and automated test infrastructure, and drive first-silicon bring-up to production readiness.

Experience Level

Senior-level (Principal)

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead post-silicon validation and first-silicon bring-up; perform in-depth debugging and manage regression testing.
• Own architecture, development and delivery of RTOS-based SDKs (e.g., FreeRTOS), BSPs, HALs, low-level drivers and middleware.
• Define IP- and SoC-level characterization and validation test plans with architects, hardware and safety teams.
• Develop automated test solutions using Python, FPGA-based frameworks, NI LabVIEW/TestStand and scripting tools.
• Validate automotive communication protocols (Ethernet: PTP, AN, EEE), CAN, LIN and FlexRay; support peripheral interfaces such as SPI, I2C and UART.
• Provide actionable feedback to hardware teams and influence next-generation SoC and CPU feature priorities.
• Lead and mentor a team of validation engineers; provide technical direction, prioritization and ensure readiness of instrumentation, boards and scripts before silicon arrival.
• Create, analyze and validate test reports; perform systematic root-cause analysis for post-silicon failures.

Requirements

Required and preferred technical skills.

Must-have:

• Proven experience in post-silicon validation, bring-up and debugging of SoCs or complex silicon.
• Experience developing RTOS-based SDKs, BSPs, HALs and low-level drivers.
• Hands-on knowledge of automotive protocols (Ethernet including PTP/AN/EEE, CAN, LIN, FlexRay), ARM architecture and bootloaders.
• Experience building automated test frameworks using Python and FPGA-based tools; familiarity with NI LabVIEW/TestStand and scripting for test automation.
• Strong test planning, debugging and root-cause analysis skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor engineers and coordinate cross-functional validation activities.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with RISC-V CPU features and influencing SoC microarchitecture.
• Experience with VBA or other legacy test integration tools.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.