Senior Validation Engineer

Job Title

Senior Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Join the Artificial Intelligence Silicon Engineering team to plan and execute post-silicon validation for high-performance AI SoC designs. The role focuses on developing validation strategy, creating test content and tools, executing post-silicon tests, triaging failures, and improving design and validation methodology.

This position sits on the Post-Silicon Validation team and collaborates with architects, logic designers, verification engineers, IP/tool providers, and system/firmware partners.

Experience Level

Senior-level — typically 5+ years of technical engineering experience (requirements allow fewer years with a higher degree or equivalent experience per Education Requirements).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include planning and executing post-silicon validation, debugging silicon, and improving validation methodology.

• Develop validation strategy, requirements, environments, tools, and methodologies, including debug board and hardware/software needs.
• Write test plans and implement them by developing test content, scripts, and verification collateral.
• Execute post-silicon tests, triage failures, and perform hardware/software debug.
• Collaborate with architects, designers, verification teams, IP and tool providers to resolve issues and improve quality.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to other engineers.
• Contribute expertise to pre-silicon verification plans and debug efforts.
• Deliver high-quality results on schedule and engage with partners to reduce and find bugs earlier.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security eligibility, and practical experience for post-silicon validation roles.

• Hands-on post-silicon validation experience (functional, electrical, high-speed interfaces, memory, power/performance, debug, or tool development).
• Experience developing test content, automation scripts, and validation tools.
• Proven ability to debug silicon using on-chip debug (trace/JTAG) and lab equipment (protocol analyzers, BER testers, logic analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes).
• Familiarity with high-speed IO (e.g., Ethernet, PCIe), board-level schematics, and system-level software/firmware interactions.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills; experience influencing cross-functional teams.
• Ability to pass Microsoft background and export-control related screening and to provide documentation of citizenship or residency as required.
• Willingness to travel up to ~25% as needed.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience on CPU, SoC, or IP development teams and prior verification/logic design experience.
• Leadership experience running cross-disciplinary task forces or mentoring teams.

Education Requirements

Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field plus 1+ year technical engineering experience; OR Master's in those fields plus 4+ years; OR Bachelor's in those fields plus 5+ years; OR equivalent practical experience. Fields referenced: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical disciplines.

About the Company

Company: Microsoft

Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States

Microsoft is a global technology company that develops and sells software, services, devices, and solutions. Known for its Windows operating system, Office suite, and Azure cloud platform, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations around the world to achieve more. The company fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion, focusing on delivering trusted experiences to customers and partners globally.