System Validation Engineer (AI Accelerator Platform)
QualcommJob Title
System Validation Engineer (AI Accelerator Platform)
Role Summary
Work on system-level validation for next-generation AI accelerator SoCs, owning end-to-end validation content across emulation and silicon phases. Partner with architecture, design, DV, software, performance, power, and product teams to ensure coverage and product readiness.
The role focuses on bare-metal validation content, scalable automation, and complex system debug across pre-silicon and post-silicon environments.
Experience Level
Mid-level. The posting expects approximately 5+ years of experience in silicon validation or platform bring-up; alternate minimums include reduced years with advanced degrees (see Education Requirements).
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include developing, executing, and scaling system-level validation for multi-processor AI accelerator platforms.
- Define and optimize validation tests for multi-processor systems and system-level concurrency.
- Develop and maintain bare-metal software, low-level hardware interfaces, register and interrupt programming, and clock/power management code.
- Collaborate with hardware and software teams to define and validate system-level software use cases.
- Debug SoC issues with limited visibility using development boards and lab equipment.
- Implement and optimize algorithms for performance, power efficiency, and memory footprint.
- Support pre-silicon validation with simulation, emulation, and FPGA platforms.
- Conduct post-silicon bring-up, system integration, and validation of system-level use cases.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience for the role.
- 5+ years of experience in silicon validation, platform bring-up, or equivalent system validation work.
- Strong understanding of operating systems concepts, caching, virtual memory, and embedded software fundamentals.
- Experience with bare-metal software development and low-level hardware interfaces.
- Proficiency in C and Assembly; exposure to scripting (Python, Linux shell) for automation and tooling.
- Experience with pre-silicon validation tools and flows (simulation, emulation, FPGA-based validation).
- Proven problem-solving skills and ability to work in cross-functional, distributed teams.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience applying machine learning models to system validation tasks.
- Familiarity reading RTL (Verilog/VHDL) and applying that knowledge during silicon validation.
Education Requirements
Degree expected: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. The posting specifies degree-plus-experience alternatives: Bachelor's + 4+ years OR Master's + 3+ years OR PhD + 2+ years; another section lists 5+ years relevant experience as a general guideline. Equivalent practical experience may be considered.
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.
