Silicon Validation Engineer, Electrical and Optical Systems (All Levels)
QualcommJob Title
Silicon Validation Engineer, Electrical and Optical Systems (All Levels)
Role Summary
Work on post-silicon validation and characterization of ultra-high-speed SerDes transceivers for electrical and optical applications in SOC designs. The role is lab-focused and involves test development, instrumentation control, automation, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with analog, digital, and systems engineers.
Experience Level
All levels. Posting lists minimum qualifications as: Bachelor's + 2 years relevant experience, Master's + 1 year, or PhD.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include lab validation, test automation, and data-driven analysis.
- Develop and execute test plans to validate electrical and optical SerDes performance (100 Gbps+).
- Operate and control lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, AWGs, OSAs, power meters, etc.).
- Design and build test fixtures and probe setups with attention to signal and power integrity.
- Implement automation for device configuration, instrumentation control, and data collection using scripting languages.
- Analyze measurement data, generate reports, and present findings to cross-functional stakeholders.
- Collaborate with analog/digital/system teams to identify root causes and drive silicon debug and validation tasks to completion.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and practical experience.
- 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, AWGs, VOAs, OSAs, and power meters.
- Experience writing automation and test scripts in Python; familiarity with Git for version control.
- Practical lab experience building and debugging hardware test setups and fixtures.
- Ability to analyze experimental data and clearly communicate technical results.
- Strong teamwork, communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience with statistical data analysis and industry tools for semiconductor measurement.
- Knowledge of signal integrity and power integrity concepts.
- Understanding of SerDes architecture and components (PLL, CDR, CTLE, ADC, FFE/DFE, TX drivers, NRZ/PAM4, FEC).
- Experience designing HW fixtures with SI/PI considerations.
Education Requirements
Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field plus 2+ years relevant ASIC/validation experience; OR Master's degree in Science/Engineering or related field plus 1+ year relevant experience; OR PhD in Science/Engineering or related field. Fields explicitly referenced include Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, and Computer Engineering; equivalent practical experience is recognized in the stated degree/experience combinations.
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.
