Silicon Validation Engineer
SynopsysJob Title
Silicon Validation Engineer
Role Summary
Validate and characterize high-speed mixed-signal IP (SerDes, ADC, DAC and related analog circuits) in a lab environment. Work closely with analog designers and systems engineers to debug silicon, develop repeatable test methodologies, and produce data that drives design decisions and reduces silicon respins.
Experience Level
Senior - experience guidance: Master's degree with 6+ years post-silicon validation experience or Bachelor's degree with 7+ years equivalent experience.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include hands-on lab validation, test development, and reporting.
- Validate and characterize high-speed mixed-signal IP using BERTs, real-time and sampling oscilloscopes, VNAs, and TDRs.
- Develop test plans and methodologies that demonstrate compliance with electrical standards and protocol specifications, including margin and corner-case behavior.
- Debug silicon issues by correlating lab measurements with design intent and driving fixes with design teams.
- Design and build test boards and hardware setups, including schematic entry, component selection, and coordination of PCB layout.
- Automate test sequences and data analysis using Python and MATLAB; convert measurements into actionable reports.
- Specify and source test equipment and components to meet evolving validation requirements.
- Produce detailed test reports documenting methodology, results, pass/fail criteria, and recommendations.
Requirements
Must-have skills and desirable background. Degree requirements are summarized in the Education Requirements section below.
- Must-have: Extensive hands-on experience with lab instruments for high-speed mixed-signal validation (BERTs, real-time and sampling oscilloscopes, VNAs, TDRs).
- Must-have: Strong working knowledge of analog and mixed-signal circuit behavior and failure modes; solid grounding in signals and systems and signal integrity.
- Must-have: Proficiency in Python and MATLAB for test automation and data analysis.
- Nice-to-have: Experience with PAM-4 signaling, SerDes, ADC or DAC validation.
- Nice-to-have: Familiarity with schematic entry tools, PCB design/layout coordination, signal/power integrity principles, and data-mining techniques for test results.
Education Requirements
Master's degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering with 6+ years of post-silicon validation, lab instrumentation, characterization, and debug experience; or Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering with 7+ years of equivalent practical experience. Fields of study: Electrical/Electronics Engineering or related technical fields. Equivalent practical experience is acceptable. No specific certifications were listed.
About the Company
Company: Synopsys
Headquarters: Mountain View, California, USA
Synopsys is a leading company in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP solutions. It provides tools and services for designing and verifying complex semiconductor devices and systems. The company plays a pivotal role in the semiconductor industry, helping engineers innovate and deliver higher-quality products faster. Synopsys is committed to advancing technology standards and offers a range of software and hardware solutions to its clients globally.
