Principal Engineer - Validation (Systems)

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Job Description:

Microchip’s Data Center Solutions (DCS) team delivers high-performance Storage Controllers, NVMe SSD Controllers, PCIe Switches, and SAS Expanders used in cloud storage and enterprise data centers. We are looking for a hands-on Principal System Validation Engineer to join our team in Roseville and take ownership of silicon bring-up, system integration, and validation of next-generation SoCs.

This role is expected to design and build validation infrastructure, develop test plans, execute complex tests on prototype silicon and firmware, and drive debugging across hardware, firmware, and system levels. Also, the role will work directly with prototype ICs, validation boards, FPGAs, protocol analyzers, and lab equipment in a fast-paced lab environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrating prototype SoC hardware and firmware into a complete system solution using emulation platforms, validation boards, firmware, and software to enable functional testing and firmware development.
• Developing, executing, and documenting feature-level tests to validate SoC hardware blocks, firmware, and overall system operation against design specs, performance targets, and industry standards.
• Working with pre-silicon emulation platforms and post-silicon prototype ICs/SoCs.
• Building and maintaining validation infrastructure including boards, FPGAs, embedded software, device drivers, and test scripts.
• Developing block, subsystem, and system-level test firmware/scripts and integrating them into automated test suites.
• Leading technical activities in your area of expertise and mentoring junior engineers.
• Running complex tests and investigations in the lab, both on-site and remotely.
• Integrating AI-based tools to improve testing efficiency.
• Identifying and reporting bugs, then collaborating with cross-functional teams to isolate, investigate, and resolve them.
• Continuously learning and applying knowledge of the device, system, protocols, and industry standards.
• Helping grow and train the validation team.
• Presenting technical information effectively to internal and external audiences.

The role will evolve based on your skills and interests, with opportunities for growth and impact on cutting-edge data center products.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• 10 years of relevant silicon / SoC validation experience (pre- and/or post-silicon).
• Strong programming and scripting skills in C / C++ and Python (or Tcl).
• Solid hands-on lab experience with high-speed test equipment: oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, logic analyzers, etc.
• Demonstrated SoC system-level debug skills across firmware, hardware, schematics, PCB, and FPGA environments.
• Strong foundation in data communications theory and high-speed signal fundamentals.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
• Proven ability to work independently on test plan development and execution while collaborating effectively in a team.

Desired Qualifications

• SoC performance validation and tuning experience.

• Experience with prototype board bring-up, modifications, and schematic reading.
• Familiarity with AI tools and workflow integration.
• Experience with Product Security.
• PCIe compliance testing experience.
• High-speed SERDES testing and debugging.
• Pre-silicon emulation test experience.
• High-speed digital design, PCB layout, or signal integrity knowledge.
• MIPS-based firmware development and debug in C/C++.
• Working knowledge of protocols including PCIe, DDR4/5, SAS, SATA, I2C, SPI and protocol trace debugging.
• Linux or Windows host driver development or OS experience
• FPGA tools and VHDL/Verilog knowledge.
• ThreadX or RTOS experience.

Travel Time:

0% - 25%

Physical Attributes:

Carrying, Feeling, Handling, Hearing, Seeing, Talking, Works Alone, Works Around Others

Physical Requirements:

Regular business hours; 70% sitting, 15% standing, 15% walking

Pay Range:

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive base pay, restricted stock units, and quarterly bonus payments. In addition to these components, our package includes health benefits that begin day one, retirement savings plans, and an industry leading ESPP program with a 2 year look back feature. Find more information about all our benefits at the link below:

Benefits of working at Microchip

The annual base salary range for this position, which could be performed in the US, is $75,000 - $232,000.*

Microchip Technology Inc is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Poster.

To all recruitment agencies: Microchip Technology Inc. does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our recruiting team or other Microchip employees. Microchip is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.