Principal Engineer, Emulation

Job Title

Principal Engineer, Emulation

Role Summary

Lead the design and delivery of emulation and FPGA models to accelerate pre-silicon verification, post-silicon validation, and software bring-up. Work with cross-functional teams across design, validation, performance and software to improve emulation usability, performance, and verification efficiency.

This role focuses on solving complex hardware/software integration problems, defining new emulation capabilities and tooling, and mentoring technical leaders.

Experience Level

Senior — Principal level. Typical experience: minimum ~15 years (or equivalent practical experience). The posting also notes alternate equivalencies: ~12 years with a Master’s degree or ~8 years with a PhD.

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities include developing emulation models, validating features, and improving verification flows.

• Build and optimize emulation and FPGA models from RTL using synthesis, partitioning, and routing tools.
• Develop, integrate, test, and debug hardware and software collateral in simulation, emulation, and FPGA environments.
• Define and create tools and capabilities to improve verification efficiency and model usability.
• Enable acceleration of RTL development and improve hybrid emulation environments for presilicon verification and software development.
• Analyze and debug failing RTL tests on emulation platforms; provide guidance to verification teams to optimize tests and methodologies.
• Develop automation, flows, and scripts to streamline emulation processes and increase efficiency.
• Collaborate with design, power/performance, silicon validation, and software teams on system bring-up and problem resolution.
• Mentor technical staff, grow the technical community, and drive technical strategy.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience. Education and degree equivalencies are summarized in the Education Requirements section below.

• Minimum ~15 years of relevant industry experience at a principal/lead engineering level, or equivalent practical experience.
• Expertise in emulation fundamentals, FPGA prototyping, emulation tools, and methodologies.
• Strong proficiency in RTL design and verification, including SystemVerilog.
• Deep understanding of SoC integration, hardware architecture, and hybrid emulation environments.
• Proven experience in emulation performance optimization and improving model usability.
• Experience creating automation, scripting, and reliable flows to improve engineering productivity.
• Strong problem-solving skills for complex hardware/software interactions.
• Proven collaborator and technical leader with the ability to mentor and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Nice-to-have: track record of innovation and prior leadership in emulation or related fields; strong communication skills.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in a technical or specialized field, or equivalent practical experience (the posting explicitly allows equivalent experience). Preferred: Master's degree (noted with ~12 years' experience) or PhD (noted with ~8 years' experience). The posting did not list specific fields of study.

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.