Microchip

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Job Description:

Microchip’s Data Center Solutions Business Unit (DCS) delivers industry leading performance, reliability, and security in Storage Controllers, Memory Controllers, NVMe SSD Controllers, PCIe Switches and SAS Expanders that are applied in Cloud Storage and Compute Data Centers, and Storage Area Networks.

As a System Validation Engineer, you will join a group of world class talented system integrators responsible for the bring-up, integration and validation of cutting-edge System on a Chip (SoC) products for the Data Center Solutions Business Unit.

A validation engineer is responsible for designing and building infrastructure that is required to integrate and validate the SoC for its intended use models. This involves building the entire prototype ecosystem like boards, FPGAs, FW, Software and Automation suites. And then further integrating this environment with internally developed test equipment, protocol analyzers, exercisers and x86 based HW.

A validation engineer develops a comprehensive test plan by utilizing design specifications, marketing requirements and newly drafted standards including PCIe, CXL, DDR4/5, NVMe, SAS, SATA, NAND flash and other standards commonly used in Cloud Data and Compute Centers or Storage Area Networks. Using validation infrastructure and the test plan, a validation engineer develops and executes pre- and post-silicon tests that fully exercise the prototype SoC and embedded FW.

The primary skill of validation engineers is to develop and integrate complex systems, test, debug, and problem solve. On the job you will gain intimate understanding of relevant protocol specifications, IP design and become expert in SOCs design/architecture, isolating problems, and finding solutions. The job provides excellent opportunity to grow domain knowledge and become an expert in these leading-edge fields.

The validation work environment offers opportunity to interact closely with other groups like design, FW, pre-silicon emulation, verification, applications, and have a prospect for job rotation or transfers within the company.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Integrating prototype SOC HW and FW into a complete solution. This includes working with emulation platforms, proto-ICs, validation boards, FW and SW to bring an entire system level solution to life and enable functional testing and FW development.
• Develop, execute, and document a series of feature tests that will fully validate the operation of the SoC and its various functional HW blocks and FW to ensure all components and the overall SoC is functioning per design specs, achieves expected performance and meets industry requirements and standards.
• Working with pre-silicon FGPA based emulation platforms and prototype (post-silicon) ICs/SOCs.
• Building and maintaining validation infrastructure through the development of boards, FPGAs, embedded software, device drivers and test bench scripts.
• Developing block, subsystem and system level test FW and scripts, and further integrating them in to best-in-class test automation suites.
• Leading activities in area of technical expertise.
• Running complex tests and conducting investigations in a lab environment on-site and remotely.
• Integrating and deploying AI based tools to enhance and optimize daily routine.
• Finding and reporting bugs. Working with cross expertise teams and leading efforts to isolate, investigate and solve them.
• Learning and dynamically applying knowledge of the device, system, protocols, and industry standards.
• Help grow and train the validation team.
• Effectively presenting technical information to internal and external groups.

The role and responsibilities will grow with the individual candidate’s skills and interests.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience. More junior applicants will be considered for other levels.
• Experience in IC and SoC validation
• Demonstrate expertise in specific validation subject areas.
• Experience working with prototype ICs, boards and HW infrastructure
• Experience working in lab environment and knowledge of relevant test equipment and protocol analyzers.
• Experience in debug and investigation of SoC’s using FW and MIPS debug environment
• Strong knowledge of digital system and computer architecture
• Strong knowledge of Data Communication and Digital Design theory
• Strong knowledge of scripting language such as Python or Tcl/Tk, proficiency in C/C++ programming
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experienced integrating AI tools into development and test methodology.
• Experience in defining comprehensive test coverage at sub-block and system level utilizing design specification, feature requirements and industry standards
• Experience working with prototype boards, boards modifications and reading schematics.
• Ability to develop and execute functional validation plans and necessary validation software and scripts with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of PCIe system architecture and protocol is an asset as an ability to read and analyze PCIe protocol traces.
• Familiarity with SAS/SATA, PCIe, DDR, I2C, SPI protocols is an asset.
• SoC performance validation and performance tuning experience is an asset
• Hands-on hardware experience with x86 based systems
• Experience working in Linux and Windows based OS environments.
• Thorough knowledge of circuit theory and high-speed signal fundamentals
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies, protocols, and standards
• Comfortable working with developing specs and standards.
• Team player working well with peers and cross functional groups.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills

Desired Qualification:

• Familiarity with AI based tools ecosystem and their integration into daily work.
• Familiarity with PCIe and CXL Compliance testing is an asset
• Experience testing and debugging high-speed SERDES
• Familiarity with FPGA based emulation environments - deployment of test coverage for pre-silicon test is an asset
• Experience in high-speed digital designs, boards designs, PCB layouts, signal integrity concepts and manufacturing process is an asset.
• Experience developing and debugging MIPS based architecture. Programming FW in C/C++
• Working knowledge of protocols like : PCIe, CXL, DDR, NVMe, ONFI, SAS, SATA I2C, SPI and protocols traces debugging
• In depth Linux OS architecture and drivers knowledge
• Linux or Windows host drivers development
• Knowledge of FPGA layout tools and VHDL/Verilog coding
• Threadx or RTOS knowledge

Travel Time:

0% - 25%

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 IESPP program with a 6-month 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 is $86,000 - $186,000.*

• Range is dependent on numerous factors including job location, skills and experience.

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.