NPU Diagnostics Software Engineer

Advanced Micro Devices; Markham; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AMD's Diagnostics team in Markham, ON, seeks an experienced engineer to validate NPU hardware via low-level software. You will design tests, diagnose issues with GDB/other tools, and collaborate across hardware, firmware, driver, and validation teams to advance AI hardware from pre-silicon to production.

The role emphasizes embedded programming, system-level debugging, and developing automation and AI-assisted workflows to improve test coverage and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in low-level or embedded software development with direct hardware interaction.
• Strong C++ programming; modern standards (C++11/14/17/20) a plus.
• Good understanding of computer architecture and OS concepts.
• Experience with Linux software development and debugging.
• Familiarity with debuggers (GDB/WinDbg) and source control (Git/SVN/Perforce).
• Ability to develop and deploy AI/ML solutions to automate test generation and triage.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop tests to validate NPU hardware design and features.
• Diagnose and fix hardware issues using debugging tools.
• Participate in APU bring-up and execution.
• Develop SLT and ASIC qualification suites.
• Optimize diagnostics software for coverage and efficiency.
• Develop AI-based tools and workflows to accelerate test development and debug.
• Build and debug automation tools to improve productivity.

Skills

Low-level software

Embedded systems

C++

Linux

GDB debugging

Python

AI/ML tooling

Multi-threading

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineering / CS

Tools

Git

SVN / Perforce

GDB

WinDbg

Linux toolchain

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.

At AMD, we believe technology can change lives for the better. It can heal us, entertain us, and make us more connected, productive, and understanding of the world around us. And we’re looking for talent who feel the same: people who want to leave the planet better than they found it, those who don’t shy away from humanity’s challenges but are determined to help solve them.

AMD is powering the next generation of supercomputing, high-performance computing, cloud, and AI. Whether you’re designing next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or creating go-to-market plans, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger — technology that moves the world forward.

Be part of the world's leading silicon team building the diagnostics that bring AMD's AI hardware to life. You'll work in a high-energy environment alongside expert, diverse engineers, with real opportunities to grow your career and apply modern AI to hard engineering problems. Together we advance_

THE PERSON

You are a motivated, hands-on engineer who enjoys working close to hardware and solving complex technical problems. You thrive in a collaborative environment, take ownership of your work, and have a passion for debugging, automation, and continuous improvement. With a strong curiosity for AI and emerging technologies, you leverage innovative tools and data-driven approaches to improve engineering productivity and product quality. You are an effective communicator who can work across hardware, firmware, driver, and validation teams to help deliver industry-leading AI hardware from concept through production.

THE ROLE

The Diagnostics team develops the software that brings up, validates, and qualifies AMD's Neural Processing Unit (NPU / AI Engine) IP inside AMD's Accelerated Processing Units (APUs). In this role you will design and develop diagnostics that validate NPU hardware design and features at the system level, from pre-silicon through production, for a complex and advanced semiconductor product. You will collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, driver, and validation teams to enable state-of-the‑art AI hardware through software. We are looking for a highly motivated engineer who enjoys low-level and embedded programming and can independently drive tasks to completion.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and develop tests to validate NPU (AI Engine) hardware design and features in pre-silicon and post-silicon stages
• Diagnose and fix hardware issues using GDB and register-level debug tools
• Participate in new APU ASIC bring-up and execution
• Develop SLT (System Level Test) and ASIC qualification suites
• Optimize diagnostics software for coverage, effectiveness, and efficiency
• Develop and deploy AI-based tools and workflows to accelerate test development, failure triage, and debug
• Build and debug automation tools to improve productivity

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in low-level or embedded software development with direct hardware interaction
• Strong C++ programming; experience with modern C++ standards (C++ 11/14/17/20) a plus
• Good understanding of computer architecture and operating systems
• Experience with software development and debugging in Linux
• Experience with debuggers (GDB, WinDbg, etc.)
• Familiarity with source control systems (Git, SVN, Perforce)
• Strong debugging, testing, and communication skills
• Proven ability to develop and deploy AI/ML solutions that resolve real engineering problems - for example, automating test generation, hardware failure and log triage, debug assistance, or developer productivity tooling
• Hands-on knowledge of Python and modern AI/ML frameworks and tooling (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, LLM APIs and agent frameworks)
• Ability to integrate AI into day-to-day engineering and development workflows, with sound judgment on where AI adds value versus traditional methods
• A continuous learner who actively builds and applies new AI skills as the toolset evolves
• Knowledge of Machine Learning and inference concepts, and NPU / AI accelerator architecture
• Familiarity with CPU/GPU/APU architecture
• Experience with parallel programming
• Experience with multi-threading programming

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent

LOCATION

Markham, ON

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.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.