SOC Emulation Engineer - Hardware Emulation Infrastructure

Job Title

SOC Emulation Engineer - Hardware Emulation Infrastructure

Role Summary

Join the hardware emulation infrastructure team to integrate vendor and custom transactors, build Python-based test frameworks, and support internal chip design projects. The team provides large-scale emulation and validation services bridging RTL, firmware, and software drivers.

This is a hybrid role based out of Santa Clara, CA or Austin, TX, supporting multiple chip projects and emulation platforms.

Experience Level

Entry to Mid-level (1–3 years relevant experience). Candidates will be assessed during interviews and offers will reflect the appropriate level.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include integrating hardware components into emulation flows, creating and maintaining test automation, and supporting emulation users across teams.

• Integrate vendor and custom transactors into RTL testbenches, resolving clock-domain and tri-state issues.
• Develop and maintain Python-based test frameworks and APIs for emulation workflows.
• Implement Python bindings (e.g., using pybind11) and maintain CMake-based build/compilation flows for emulation libraries.
• Triaging and debugging across the stack: Python tests, C++ bindings, and RTL-level issues.
• Support emulation runs and tooling on large-scale platforms (e.g., Synopsys Zebu) and optimize build/run infrastructure.
• Collaborate with hardware designers, firmware and software engineers to gather requirements and resolve runtime/build issues.

Requirements

Required technical skills and experience for successful performance in the role.

• Proficient in Python for automation and test development.
• Working knowledge of C++ and ability to work with C++ bindings for Python.
• Familiarity navigating SystemVerilog RTL and RTL-based testbenches.
• Experience with build systems and native compilation flows (CMake).
• Understanding of standard chip interfaces, bus protocols, resets, and clocking/synchronization.
• Ability to triage and debug problems across software and hardware layers.
• Effective communicator and team collaborator, supporting diverse engineering teams.
• Nice-to-have: experience with vendor emulation platforms (e.g., Synopsys Zebu) and familiarity using AI-assisted coding tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude) to accelerate development.

Education Requirements

Background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field (e.g., BS/BE/BS degree) or equivalent practical experience. The posting indicates 1–3 years of relevant experience; equivalent professional experience may be acceptable.

About the Company

Company: Tenstorrent

Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States

Tenstorrent is a technology company focused on designing innovative computing solutions. They are known for their expertise in the development of advanced hardware, including ASICs and SoCs, aimed at enhancing performance and efficiency in various applications.