System Validation Lead (Premium Mobile Platforms)

Job Title

System Validation Lead (Premium Mobile Platforms)

Role Summary

Lead validation strategy, test planning, content development, and execution for premium mobile and AI accelerator SoC platforms. The role sits in Qualcomm's System Validation & Emulation (SVE) organization and owns end-to-end system-level validation content across emulation and silicon phases.

Partner with architecture, design, DV, firmware, software, performance, power, and product teams to ensure comprehensive coverage and delivery of silicon validation at scale.

Experience Level

Senior-level. The role expects substantial SoC validation experience; typical candidates have 8+ years of relevant industry experience.

Responsibilities

Drive validation strategy and lead content development, execution, and cross-functional delivery for complex SoC programs.

• Define system-level validation strategy and comprehensive plans spanning pre-silicon and post-silicon phases.
• Translate high-risk customer use cases into executable validation content and coverage plans.
• Own content architecture, roadmaps, releases, stabilization, qualification, and regression activities across emulation and silicon environments (Veloce, RUMI, FPGA, Silicon).
• Lead debugging, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions for complex silicon, emulation, firmware, and software issues.
• Coordinate cross-functional program execution, readiness reviews, milestone tracking, and risk mitigation across global sites.
• Drive coverage closure, tooling/automation improvements, and adoption of AI-driven validation methodologies.
• Mentor senior engineers, build high-performing teams, and influence resourcing and organizational planning.
• Provide executive-level status updates and technical reviews to stakeholders.

Requirements

Core technical skills and domain experience required to lead system-level SoC validation.

Must-have:

• 8+ years of experience in SoC validation, bring-up, architecture validation, firmware, or system software.
• Proven experience with both pre-silicon and post-silicon validation and platform bring-up.
• Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills for complex HW/SW interactions.
• Deep understanding of modern SoC components: ARM CPUs, memory subsystems (DDR/HBM/LLCC), interconnects/NoC, power management, security/virtualization, and peripheral subsystems.
• Demonstrated technical leadership managing geographically distributed teams and coordinating cross-functional programs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.

Nice-to-have / Preferred:

• Experience leading validation for flagship mobile, compute, AI, automotive, or server-class SoCs.
• Expertise in system-level content development, emulation environments, and validation frameworks.
• Experience with performance, power, reliability, and production-screening methodologies.
• Familiarity with automation, analytics, and AI-based engineering productivity solutions.

Education Requirements

Degree preferred: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. The posting specifies alternate minimums by degree level (example alternatives provided by the employer): Bachelor's +6 years; Master's +5 years; PhD +4 years in ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related experience.

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.