System Validation Engineer

Synopsys Inc; Porto Salvo; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Synopsys Inc in Lisbon, Portugal, is seeking a Hardware Validation Engineer to validate high-speed SERDES IPs including PCIe and Ethernet on prototype hardware. You will execute comprehensive tests with scopes, spectrum analyzers, BER testers, and TDR equipment, and you will debug complex analog and digital circuits on prototype boards.

You will develop test automation using Python, MATLAB, or C, documenting results and guiding junior engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams

Qualifications

• Proven hardware validation experience with lab instrumentation.
• Experience validating high-speed SERDES interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet).
• Ability to read schematics/PCB layouts and debug analog/digital circuits.
• Strong programming skills for test automation (Python, MATLAB, C).

Responsibilities

• Validate high-speed SERDES IP designs on prototype hardware.
• Execute validation tests with oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, BER testers, and TDR tools.
• Debug prototype boards using schematics and layouts.
• Develop test automation frameworks and analysis tools.
• Collaborate with analog/digital designers and customers to resolve issues.

Skills

Hardware validation

Programming (Python MATLAB C)

Signal integrity

SERDES PCIe Ethernet knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

BER testers

TDR equipment

PCB layouts reading

Job description

We Are

Synopsys is the leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, enabling customers to rapidly innovate AI-powered products. We deliver industry-leading silicon design, IP, simulation and analysis solutions, and design services. We partner closely with our customers across a wide range of industries to maximize their R&D capability and productivity, powering innovation today that ignites the ingenuity of tomorrow.

You Are

You bring proven experience validating high-speed hardware systems where signal integrity and standards compliance are critical. Your work with SERDES interfaces and laboratory instrumentation has taught you that successful validation requires technical rigor and systematic methodology. When issues arise, you isolate root causes through disciplined analysis.

You don't just execute test plans, you improve them. You automate measurements, develop analysis tools, and document your work for team benefit. You collaborate effectively with analog designers, digital engineers, and customers. At Synopsys, you will validate IP that enables next-generation systems with direct impact on product quality and customer success.

What You'll Be Doing

• Validate high-speed SERDES IP designs including PCI Express and Ethernet through electrical and system-level testing on prototype hardware
• Execute validation test plans using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, BER testers, and TDR equipment to verify signal integrity and standards compliance
• Debug complex analog and digital circuit behavior on prototype boards using schematics and layouts
• Develop test automation frameworks and analysis tools using Python, MATLAB, or C
• Support product certification and conduct interoperability validation with silicon from key manufacturers
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve validation findings and optimize IP performance
• Document results, improve test methodologies, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers

The Impact You Will Have

• Ensure Synopsys SERDES IP meets industry certification standards before customer delivery
• Improve validation efficiency and measurement consistency across the global prototyping organization through automation tools
• Identify design issues early, reducing costly respins and accelerating time to market
• Provide customers confidence in IP reliability across diverse system configurations
• Strengthen correlation between simulation models and silicon behavior for future IP development
• Enable high-speed connectivity powering AI infrastructure, data centers, telecommunications, and automotive systems

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience conducting hardware validation using laboratory instrumentation including oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers
• Proficiency reading electrical schematics and PCB layouts
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or C for test automation and analysis
• Proven debugging capabilities and systematic problem-solving methodology
• Experience with high-speed circuits, SERDES standards (PCI Express, Ethernet), or RF theory (transmission lines, S-parameters) is highly valued
• Familiarity with FPGA development (Verilog/VHDL) or serial protocols (JTAG, I2C, SPI) is beneficial

Who You Are

• You apply structured debugging methodology to isolate root causes systematically
• You develop maintainable, well-documented automation tools that provide measurable value
• You communicate technical content effectively across audiences from engineering to management
• You stay current with industry developments in SERDES standards and validation methodologies
• You share technical knowledge and guide less experienced engineers
• You work effectively onsite with flexibility for remote work when appropriate

The Team You'll Be Part Of

You will join the Synopsys Hardware Prototyping team in Lisbon, Portugal, part of a worldwide organization responsible for validating industry-leading high-speed IP designs. The team collaborates closely with analog and digital designers, hardware and software engineers, and customers. The lab features state-of-the-art test equipment for high-speed measurements and debug. This is a full-time onsite role with flexible hours and remote work options during analysis-heavy periods.

Rewards and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.