Audio/Edge AI Silicon Validation and Firmware Engineer

Qualcomm; Markham; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an Embedded Firmware Engineer, where you'll be instrumental in developing cutting-edge low-power audio and AI solutions. In this dynamic role, you'll collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to validate and create firmware for next-generation audio IP cores. Your expertise will drive the silicon validation process, ensuring high fidelity audio across various platforms. This innovative firm offers a vibrant work environment where your contributions will shape the future of audio technology in mobile, automotive, and IoT markets. If you're passionate about embedded systems and eager to make an impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in embedded firmware development and silicon validation.
• Strong programming skills in C and familiarity with embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Validate ASIC silicon for audio IP core and DSP, ensuring performance and power efficiency.
• Develop and execute functional test plans for audio interfaces and systems.

Skills

Embedded Firmware Development

C Programming

Silicon Validation

Debugging Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Audio Generators/Analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Protocol Analyzers

JTAG

ARM Compliant Debuggers

Source Control (Perforce, Git)

Job description

Company:

Qualcomm Canada ULC

Job Area:

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > ASICS Engineering

General Summary:

Be a part of the Low-power Audio team responsible for the development of Next Generation Audio and Artificial Intelligence (AI) processing that is key to delivering the latest voice and audio features expected in the mobile, compute, automotive and IoT markets.

The Audio and AI sub system is responsible for high fidelity audio across an array of interfaces as well as smart voice assistant HW accelerators that are contextual aware based on a suite of sensors. With a dedicated DSP, our industry leading power efficient solutions allow for continual operation between all power states with minimal impact on battery life.

An ideal candidate is an embedded Firmware Engineer interested in helping to validate and develop world-class low power audio and AI solutions. You will work within a multi-disciplinary, multi-site team of architects, designers and verification engineers and will be responsible for silicon validation and reference firmware development for next-gen audio IP cores.

Successful candidate responsibilities include the following:

• ASIC silicon bring-up and validation (functional, electrical, performance and power) of the audio IP core, DSP, various audio interfaces (I2S, PCM, SLIMbus, SoundWire, Audio Codec) and accelerators (low-power AI/ML inference).
• Develop functional test/validation plans, implement, and execute block-level and full sub-system/SoC testing.
• Use lab equipment such as audio generators/analyzers and oscilloscopes to validate audio IP blocks and interfaces.
• Interact with multiple engineering teams (Digital and mixed signal design and verification, HW architecture, SW/FW), across different geographies to debug, isolate and resolve SW and customer issues.
• Leverage FW and drivers and create procedures and test automation to speed-up and enhance validation.
• Test and debug both on ASIC platforms and emulation (FPGA prototyping systems).
• Collect, analyze, and validate performance specifications and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years embedded firmware development with C, silicon validation, or related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong programming and/or scripting skills (C, assembly, python, etc.).
• Strong understanding of embedded system design (CPU, Bus architectures, Caches, interconnects, clocks).
• Experience with Real-Time embedded operating systems.
• Proficiency with lab equipment such as protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, and probes.
• Experience working in an embedded environment.
• Experience with low level CPU or DSP processor control/programming.
• Familiarity with machine learning algorithms and techniques.
• Experience with tools such as JTAG and ARM compliant debuggers.
• Experience with ARM AHB, AXI, APB or similar on-chip interconnects.
• Experience with board/platform-level debug.
• Experience debugging low level software and hardware issues.
• Experience with Source Control (Perforce, Git).
• Familiarity with raw analog/digital audio formats and properties.
• Detail oriented with strong analytical and debugging skills.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and collaboration skills.
• 3+ years of experience.