SoC Power Validation Engineer

Job Title

SoC Power Validation Engineer

Role Summary

Join the Global SoC hardware validation team to verify and validate power, performance, and thermal behavior of mobile SoCs at core and system level. The role focuses on post-silicon validation, correlation with pre-silicon models, and delivering actionable analysis to improve chipset power and performance.

Experience Level

Entry-level — suitable for candidates with approximately 1–3 years of relevant ASIC/validation experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include system-level power and performance validation across SoC IP blocks, data-driven analysis, and automation of validation flows.

• Perform pre-silicon and post-silicon power, thermal, and performance correlation, debug, and analysis across CPU, GPU, DDR, NOC, and other SoC IPs.
• Execute regression and PVT (Process, Voltage, Temperature) testing across parts, lots, and wafers; analyze results and extract key metrics.
• Collaborate with architects, designers, verification, and software teams to define and execute validation plans and identify risk areas.
• Document observations and propose hardware and software optimizations to reduce power and improve efficiency.
• Debug low-level software and hardware issues using tools such as JTAG and kernel debuggers.
• Conduct Vmin/Fmax measurements and collect performance characterization data.
• Automate validation flows, data collection, and analysis using Python or similar scripting languages.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and practical experience required for day-to-day success in the role. Preferred items are indicated.

• Must-have: Strong understanding of digital design fundamentals, SoC power trees, and low-power techniques.
• Must-have: Practical experience with mobile chip architecture components (CPU, GPU, DDR, NOC) and system-level debugging.
• Must-have: Scripting and automation skills in Python; good programming ability in C is preferred.
• Must-have: Familiarity with lab test equipment (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes) and debug tools such as JTAG and Lauterbach/Trace32.
• Must-have: Experience with Vmin/Fmax measurements and silicon parametric testing or equivalent characterization work.
• Nice-to-have: Basic RTL understanding and exposure to transistor-level power fundamentals.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with performance correlation, PVT testing, and large-scale data analysis.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with prompt engineering or AI-assisted tooling for test automation.
• Ability to work independently and in a dynamic team environment; strong analytical and multitasking skills.
• Green card or U.S. citizenship preferred.

Education Requirements

Required: Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field — or equivalent practical experience. Preferred: Master’s degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering. The posting also lists doctoral degrees (PhD) as an acceptable qualification and describes minimum-experience alternatives (e.g., Bachelor's + 2+ years, Master’s + 1+ year, or PhD). Fields cited include Computer and Electrical Engineering and related technical disciplines.

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.