Efficient is pioneering the development of next-generation programmable processor products, designed to deliver breakthrough performance and efficiency for high-performance computing applications. We are seeking an experienced Senior Validation Engineer to drive the post-silicon validation, characterization, and productization of our cutting-edge processor architectures.

As a Senior Validation Engineer, you will own the end-to-end validation strategy for Efficient’s programmable processor products. You will be responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive new product introduction (NPI) plan, working with external silicon validation vendors, and collaborating closely with internal design, verification, and manufacturing teams. This role is highly cross-functional and critical to ensuring that Efficient’s products meet rigorous performance, quality, and reliability standards from first silicon bring-up through high-volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and drive a comprehensive NPI plan for silicon bring-up, characterization, validation, test flow, and productization of Efficient’s programmable processors.
• Manage relationships with silicon validation vendors, including defining scope, ensuring deliverables, and monitoring performance.
• Partner with internal design and verification teams during pre-silicon to define test structures, features, and methodologies required for successful silicon validation.
• Lead the post-silicon validation process, from first power-on through to volume production.
• Define and implement silicon validation processes and methodologies, ensuring repeatability, coverage, and robustness.
• Debug complex silicon issues involving digital, analog, and timing domains, working cross-functionally with architects, designers, and verification engineers.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to silicon validation engineers and influence broader organizational practices around validation and test.
• Deliver detailed documentation, reports, and technical presentations to stakeholders and executive teams.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of proven, hands-on experience in silicon validation, test development, and manufacturing processes.
• 3+ years leading validation engineering teams with demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills.
• Direct experience taking a processor/SoC from concept through to production.
• Demonstrated experience in post-silicon bring-up, validation, and characterization.
• Hands-on experience working with silicon validation vendors.
• Proven record of implementing silicon validation processes and methodologies.
• Broad experience across the full silicon lifecycle, from first power-on through high-volume manufacturing.
• Track record of delivering successful NPI projects in semiconductor startups or fast-paced environments.
• Experience validating programmable routing fabrics.
• Extensive pre-silicon experience collaborating with design and verification teams to define test structures and features.
• Excellent written, verbal, and technical communication skills.

Preferred:

• Strong expertise in processor architectures, including timing, analog, and digital requirements.
• Strong silicon debugging skills, with ability to isolate and resolve complex issues across domains.
• Strong network and prior working relationships with leading silicon validation vendors.

We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $160,000 to $210,000, along with meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate.