Principal Engineer - Validation (Systems)

Job Title

Principal Engineer - Validation (Systems)

Role Summary

Principal System Validation Engineer for the Data Center Solutions (DCS) team. Responsible for silicon bring-up, system integration, and validation of next-generation SoCs used in storage and data-center products.

Hands-on role working with prototype ICs, validation boards, FPGAs, protocol analyzers, firmware, and lab instrumentation to validate hardware, firmware, and system-level behavior.

Experience Level

Senior-level. The role requires approximately 10+ years of relevant pre- and/or post-silicon validation experience.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and run validation infrastructure and test plans to verify SoC functionality and system operation.

• Integrate prototype SoC hardware and firmware into complete system solutions for functional testing and firmware development.
• Develop, execute, and document feature-, block-, subsystem-, and system-level tests against specifications and industry standards.
• Work with pre-silicon emulation platforms and post-silicon prototype ICs/SoCs for validation.
• Build and maintain validation infrastructure: boards, FPGAs, embedded software, device drivers, and automated test scripts.
• Run complex lab investigations and debugging across hardware, firmware, schematics, PCB, and FPGA environments.
• Identify, report, and drive cross-functional resolution of bugs and issues.
• Lead technical activities, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to team growth and training.
• Integrate tools, including AI-based tools, to improve testing efficiency and automation.
• Present technical findings to internal stakeholders and external audiences as required.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience for effective performance in this role.

Must-have

• Approximately 10+ years of silicon / SoC validation experience (pre- and/or post-silicon).
• Strong programming and scripting in C/C++ and Python (or Tcl).
• Hands-on lab experience with high-speed test equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, etc.
• Demonstrated system-level debug across firmware, hardware, schematics, PCB, and FPGA environments.
• Strong foundation in data communications theory and high-speed signal fundamentals.
• Proven ability to develop and execute test plans independently and collaborate within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to run on-site and remote lab tests; travel up to 25%.

Nice-to-have

• SoC performance validation and tuning experience; PCIe compliance testing experience.
• High-speed SERDES testing and signal-integrity knowledge; PCB layout experience.
• Prototype board bring-up, schematic review, and modification experience.
• Experience with Product Security, pre-silicon emulation tests, and FPGA toolchains (VHDL/Verilog).
• MIPS-based firmware development, RTOS (ThreadX) experience, and host driver/OS experience (Linux/Windows).
• Familiarity with protocols: PCIe, DDR4/5, SAS, SATA, I2C, SPI and protocol trace debugging.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.

About the Company

Company: Microchip

Headquarters: Chandler, Arizona, USA

Microchip is a leading semiconductor company focused on developing innovative solutions to enhance the human experience. With a commitment to empowering innovation, Microchip prioritizes the value of its employees by fostering a culture that supports their growth and contributions.