Linux Platform Tech Lead - Pre‑Silicon GPU Validation & Emulation

Advanced Micro Devices; Markham; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company in York Region, Markham is seeking a Tech Lead to drive pre-silicon validation for next-generation GPU platforms. The successful candidate will provide technical direction and foster collaboration across teams, ensuring efficient testing and trial implementation. Responsibilities include defining technical strategies, mentoring engineers, and overseeing execution metrics. Candidates should have a relevant degree and significant leadership experience in pre-silicon validation, particularly within GPU development environments.

Benefits

AMD benefits at a glance

Qualifications

• Senior technical leadership experience in semiconductor pre-silicon validation.
• Proven experience with pre-silicon validation for GPUs, CPUs, or accelerators.
• Deep understanding of emulation workflows and development cycles.

Responsibilities

• Define technical strategy and integrated test plans for GPU emulation.
• Serve as a contact point between emulation engineers and firmware/software teams.
• Review and approve test execution metrics and technical guidance.

Skills

Technical leadership in pre-silicon validation

Emulation workflows knowledge

Conflict resolution

Technical documentation

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Git

Job description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.

Together, we advance your career.

THE ROLE:

AMD seeks an experienced Tech Lead to drive the execution of pre-silicon validation activities for next-generation GPU platforms. You will provide technical direction for the planning, execution, and delivery of emulation-based testing across firmware, drivers, and system software – ensuring technical alignment between emulation engineers, hardware design, software teams, and verification. This role is critical to accelerating AMD’s GPU roadmap for HPC and ML markets by de-risking silicon through rigorous emulation and technical leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Technical Strategy & Architecture
  • Define the technical strategy and integrated test plans for GPU emulation (Veloce/Zebu/Palladium) covering firmware, OS, drivers, and critical workloads (HPC/ML).
  • Architect and prioritize test cases with the emulation team to maximize bug-find efficiency and coverage.
  • Make key technical decisions on resource allocation (emulator time, engineering focus) to mitigate project risks.
  • Own the technical resolution for critical issues – ensuring no "ownership gaps" in debug (e.g., Shanghai-to-NA test handoff logs, NA-led triage).
• Technical Coordination & Mentorship
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact between GPU Platform Emulation Engineers, HW Design, FW/SW Development, and Verification teams.
  • Lead the deep technical triage of emulation failures – driving root-cause analysis and accountability across teams.
  • Align technical dependencies (model releases, FW drops, test infrastructure) to prevent bottlenecks.
  • Mentor and guide junior and senior engineers on best practices for emulation, debug, and validation methodologies.
• Technical Execution & Oversight
  • Review and approve daily/weekly test execution metrics (pass rates, coverage, blocker counts) and provide technical guidance.
  • Own the technical risk register, identifying and mitigating risks related to schedule, resource, or technical gaps (e.g., emulator instability, missing FW features).
  • Ensure technical adherence to pre-tapeout validation milestones and sign-off criteria.
• Process & Methodology
  • Drive the implementation of agile/Kanban practices and technical workflows for emulation test execution.
  • Deliver technical summaries on validation progress, coverage gaps, and high-impact bugs for leadership.
  • Lead initiatives to optimize technical workflows for test automation, regression tracking, and debug handoffs.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Senior technical leadership experience in semiconductor pre-silicon validation.
• Proven experience with pre-silicon validation (emulation/simulation) for GPUs, CPUs, or accelerators.
• Deep understanding of emulation workflows (Veloce/Zebu/Palladium compilation, debug, resource constraints).
• Strong knowledge of GPU/ASIC development cycles from RTL to tapeout.
• Expertise in HW/SW co-validation across firmware, drivers, and OS layers.
• Proficiency with project tools: Jira, Confluence, Git, Agile/Scrum.
• Technical literacy: Advanced ability to parse firmware/driver logs, debug complex flows, and architect test plans.
• Leadership: Skilled in technical conflict resolution, risk management, and making data-driven decisions under ambiguity.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent

• Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.