Silicon Validation Engineer, Electrical and Optical Systems

Job Title

Silicon Validation Engineer, Electrical and Optical Systems

Role Summary

Join the High-Speed Interfaces Silicon Validation team to validate and characterize ultra-high-speed (100Gbps+) SerDes transceivers for electrical and optical System-on-Chip designs. Work in a lab environment to develop and execute test plans, automate measurement flows, analyze data, and provide actionable feedback to design teams.

You will collaborate with analog, digital, system, and mixed-signal engineers, operate industry-standard instrumentation, and build test fixtures and automation for AI and data-center targeted products.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Typical minimums listed by the employer: Bachelor's +2 years relevant experience, Master's +1 year relevant experience, or PhD.

Responsibilities

The core responsibilities focus on silicon lab validation for electrical and optical high-speed interfaces.

• Plan and execute electrical and optical validation tests for SerDes transceivers.
• Operate and control lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, AWG, optical test equipment) and integrate them into automated test flows.
• Develop automation scripts and test software for device configuration, instrumentation control, data collection, and result processing.
• Design and assemble test fixtures and probe setups while considering signal and power integrity.
• Analyze measurement data, perform statistical analysis, identify root causes, and document findings.
• Collaborate with design, system, and applications teams to reproduce issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Present validation results and status updates to stakeholders.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience required for this role.

• Knowledge of electrical and/or optical test methodologies for high-speed interfaces.
• Hands-on experience using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, BERTs, signal analyzers, VNAs, AWG, optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), VOA, and power meters.
• Experience programming in Python and using Git for test automation and version control.
• Strong lab troubleshooting, measurement setup, and data-analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills; able to work under time pressure and produce detailed, organized results.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with statistical data analysis tools used in semiconductor validation.
• Familiarity with signal integrity and power integrity concepts.
• Understanding of SerDes architecture and features (PLL, CDR, CTLE, ADC, FFE/DFE, TX drivers, NRZ/PAM4, FEC).
• Experience designing hardware fixtures for high-speed test setups.

Education Requirements

Employer specifies: Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field (typical example: Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Computer Engineering) with 2+ years ASIC-related experience; OR Master's degree in Science or Engineering with 1+ year experience; OR PhD in a related field. Degree or equivalent technical experience inferred from minimum-qualification language.

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.