Staff System Validation Engineer (Post-Silicon)
SiFiveJob Title
Staff System Validation Engineer (Post-Silicon)
Role Summary
The Staff System Validation Engineer will lead execution of post-silicon and FPGA-based system validation for SiFive CPU products. This role owns FPGA build and release, defines and operates regression workflows (including Linux boot and performance benchmarks), produces automated status reporting, and performs first-level failure triage.
The role is the primary point of contact for system validation execution and acts as a bridge between design, verification, and system software teams; it also mentors a small team of engineers on debug, FPGA bring-up, and validation best practices.
Experience Level
Senior — requires 10+ years of experience in system validation, regression management, or hardware accelerator testing (design verification, emulation, or FPGA-based).
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include ownership of system validation execution, managing regressions, and cross-functional debug.
- Own end-to-end system validation execution for SiFive CPU products and report to the Director of System Validation.
- Manage FPGA-based regressions: build, release, and ensure validation flows remain reliable and the design remains healthy.
- Define, implement, and oversee regression workflows including Linux boot, performance benchmarks, and other automated tests.
- Lead first-level failure triage and collaborate with design, verification, and system software teams for debug and analysis.
- Generate automated status reports and provide actionable insights to stakeholders.
- Mentor and guide team members on debug methodology, FPGA bring-up, and system validation best practices.
Requirements
Core technical skills and tooling experience required; education is summarized separately below.
Must-have:
- Hands-on experience with FPGA-based validation, emulation, or design verification flows.
- Strong understanding of computer architecture and IP blocks such as CPUs, DDR, Ethernet, and PCIe.
- Proficiency in SystemVerilog and Python; familiarity with other scripting languages used in automation and testing.
- Experience with CI/CD tooling and automated regression frameworks (e.g., Jenkins).
- Proficient with Git-based version control systems.
- Experience with test frameworks (robot-tester or equivalent), Jira, and defect lifecycle tracking.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills with experience guiding small teams.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience with performance benchmarking and Linux bring-up on target hardware.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
About the Company
Company: SiFive
Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States
SiFive is a pioneering company in the RISC-V ecosystem, focused on transforming the future of computing by delivering high-performance, data-intensive RISC-V solutions. Their compute platforms empower leading technology firms to innovate across various markets, including AI, machine learning, and automotive sectors. SiFive is recognized for its commitment to ongoing innovation and fostering collaboration among talented teams, impacting lives by enabling advanced chip design.
