SoC Functional Validation Engineer - Memory Pre-silicon Validation

Job Title

SoC Functional Validation Engineer - Memory Pre-silicon Validation

Role Summary

Work on pre-silicon memory validation and debug for next-generation Intel SoCs and platforms. Focus areas include memory bring-up, training optimization, frequency and power-validation, and cross-layer debug across hardware, firmware, and software.

Join the Functional Validation team responsible for validating SoC hardware features and improving platform robustness across server, desktop, and mobile segments.

Experience Level

Entry-level / early career. The posting indicates requirements consistent with 0–3 years of relevant experience (see Education Requirements for degree/experience combinations).

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include pre-silicon validation, memory subsystem debug, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

• Perform pre-silicon validation and hands-on debug to verify platform functionality against design and architecture specifications.
• Drive memory feature enablement and bring-up for DDR5 and LPDDR5/LPDDR5X, including initialization, training convergence, frequency scaling, and stability assessment.
• Investigate memory training algorithms (read/write leveling, command/address training, power training) and resolve timing, voltage, and signal-integrity issues.
• Analyze BIOS logs, training reports, margin data, eye diagrams, RMT and failure patterns to identify root causes and improve robustness.
• Use lab equipment (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers) and debug tools to reproduce issues and collect data for root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with architecture, design, firmware, BIOS, and silicon teams to resolve complex memory-related issues.
• Develop and improve debug methodologies, flows, and automation/AI-assisted debug frameworks.

Requirements

Technical skills and experience expected for the role. Education details are summarized separately under Education Requirements.

• Must-have: Fundamental knowledge of SoC platform architectures, PC architecture, and pre-silicon validation setups.
• Must-have: Practical debugging skills across IP, firmware, BIOS, and software interactions.
• Must-have: Proficiency in scripting or programming used for debugging and automation.
• Must-have: Hands-on experience with memory characterization and margin validation, including analysis of training data and failure patterns.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with FPGA, emulation, or EDA tools (for example, FSDB) and pre-silicon validation platforms.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with hardware debug tools, trace/capture tooling, and silicon observability features.
• Nice-to-have: Strong communication skills and ability to present technical findings to stakeholders.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus ~2 years of experience in pre-silicon validation/design debugging (experience may be gained via internships, academic projects, coursework, or hands-on training), OR a Master's degree in a relevant field with no prior professional experience. Fields implied: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or other related technical disciplines. Equivalent practical experience is accepted as described above.

About the Company

Company: Intel Corporation

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA

Intel Corporation is a leading multinational technology company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions, including microprocessors, artificial intelligence accelerators, and memory products. Headquartered in the United States, Intel focuses on cutting-edge technology and a collaborative working environment, driving advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to meet global demands. The company emphasizes professional development and aims to shape the future of technology through groundbreaking designs.