Senior System Validation Engineer

Job Title

Senior System Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Lead end-to-end silicon and system validation for coherent DSP chips used in high-speed optical transceiver modules. The role defines validation methodology, constructs automated test environments, runs characterization and regression, and drives root-cause analysis across silicon, firmware, optics, and analog domains.

Experience Level

Senior — 7+ years of hands-on silicon/system validation experience in high-speed communication chips or optical modules.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include planning and executing validation campaigns, building test infrastructure, and driving cross-functional debug to improve silicon quality and performance.

• Lead validation of coherent DSP features, algorithms, and system flows across full operating conditions (temperature, voltage, corner silicon).
• Plan, design, and execute validation test plans for high-speed optical links and modules.
• Develop automated validation environments and regression frameworks (Python, SCPI, lab tools).
• Validate DSP performance and characterize SerDes, signal integrity, and analog/digital blocks across corners.
• Validate complete module functionality including coherent optics, drivers, TIAs, host interfaces, and control paths.
• Debug system bottlenecks across DSP, firmware, MACsec, and optical components and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues.
• Define and maintain automated test setups using BER testers, high-speed oscilloscopes, VNAs, environmental chambers, and similar instruments.
• Own continuous regression, log analysis, KPI monitoring, and lead root-cause failure analysis working with ASIC and firmware teams.

Requirements

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

• 7+ years of hands-on silicon/system validation experience in high-speed communication chips or optical modules.
• Extensive lab experience with high-speed test equipment (BER testers, scopes, VNAs, BERT ONT, G800/ARESONE or equivalent).
• Proficient in Python for automation and test framework development.
• Strong understanding of SerDes, DSP algorithms for coherent systems, and equalization techniques (CTLE/FFE/DFE/EQ).
• Knowledge of high-speed communication standards (400G/800G, Ethernet, PCS/FEC).
• Solid background in signal integrity, jitter, noise analysis, and analog characterization.
• Proven ability to lead validation tasks end-to-end and mentor junior engineers.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with coherent optical modules and optical component integration.
• Experience with DSP or ASIC bring-up on ATE/production testers.
• Familiarity with MACsec, security engines, or host interfaces.
• Background working in fast-paced startup environments.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Science, Engineering, or a related field (examples: B.Sc./M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering). The posting references graduates from Ben-Gurion University, Tel Aviv University, and the Technion. Applications with equivalent practical experience will be considered.

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.