CPU Pre-Silicon Verification Engineer

Intel; Folsom (CA); On-site; USD 141,910 - 269,100; Full time

Job summary

Intel is seeking a CPU Pre-Silicon Verification Engineer in the United States for on-site work in California's Folsom area. You will join the CPU Design Team within SPE to validate core designs before silicon, collaborating with architecture, RTL designers, post-silicon engineers, and platform teams to ensure reliable processor functionality.

The role emphasizes developing validation strategies, coverage-driven approaches, and end-to-end verification across simulation, emulation, and FPGA

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field with 5+ years in pre-silicon verification and/or front end.
• Master's Degree in the same field with 3+ years of experience in pre-silicon verification and/or front end.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and execute pre-silicon validation plans for Intel CPU core designs.
• Validate CPU functionality, microarchitecture behavior, and system-level feature interactions across simulation, emulation, and FPGA environments.
• Develop validation content, test scenarios, and infrastructure to improve coverage and identify issues early in the product lifecycle.
• Apply coverage-driven validation techniques to ensure comprehensive verification of complex processor designs.
• Review architecture and design changes to assess validation impacts, risks, schedules, and test requirements.

Skills

Programming languages

Pre-silicon verification

Verilog/SystemVerilog

Education

Bachelor's degree (EE/CS)

Master's degree

Tools

VCS

Specman E / UVM

Job description

As a CPU Pre‑Silicon Verification Engineer, you will help ensure the quality, functionality, and readiness of Intel's next‑generation CPU’s high‑performance engines that power some of the world's most advanced computing platforms.

Job Description

In this role, you will develop and execute validation strategies that verify complex CPU designs before silicon manufacturing. Working across architecture, design, verification, and platform teams, you will identify and resolve issues early in the product lifecycle, helping deliver industry‑leading performance, power efficiency, and product quality. Your work will directly contribute to Intel's future client, AI, and high‑performance computing products, playing a key role in bringing innovative processor technologies to market.

About The Team

Join Intel's CPU Design Team within the Silicon and Platform Engineering Group (SPE), where engineers develop the high‑performance CPU cores that drive the next generation of computing experiences. The team is responsible for validating complex CPU microarchitectures, developing advanced validation methodologies, and ensuring design quality from concept through silicon. Working in a highly collaborative environment, you'll partner with architects, RTL designers, post‑silicon engineers, and platform teams to deliver innovative processor technologies used by millions of customers worldwide.

What You’ll Do

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Define, develop, and execute pre‑silicon validation plans for Intel CPU core designs.
• Validate CPU functionality, microarchitecture behavior, and system‑level feature interactions across simulation, emulation, and FPGA environments.
• Develop validation content, test scenarios, and infrastructure to improve coverage and identify functional issues early in the product lifecycle.
• Apply coverage‑driven validation techniques to ensure comprehensive verification of complex processor designs.
• Review architecture and design changes to assess validation impacts, risks, schedules, and test requirements.
• Collaborate with architecture, design, verification, and platform engineering teams to optimize product quality and validation effectiveness.
• Perform debug, root cause analysis, and failure triage for functional issues discovered during validation.
• Develop and enhance validation methodologies, automation frameworks, checkers, monitors, and validation tools.
• Analyze validation results, publish findings, and provide recommendations to improve future designs and validation strategies.
• Contribute to silicon readiness activities by identifying and resolving issues before manufacturing.
• Support end‑to‑end product development across multiple phases of the CPU lifecycle.

Behavioral Traits That We Are Looking For

• Technical Problem Solving – Uses analytical thinking to investigate complex design and validation challenges.
• Ownership and Accountability – Takes responsibility for deliverables and drives issues through resolution.
• Collaboration – Builds strong partnerships across architecture, design, validation, and platform teams.
• Communication – Clearly communicates technical findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Adaptability – Excels in a dynamic environment with evolving technologies and priorities.
• Continuous Learning – Maintains curiosity and develops expertise in CPU architecture, validation methodologies, and emerging technologies.

Qualifications

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or other Science/Engineering related field and 5+ years of experience in pre‑silicon verification and/or front end.
• Master's Degree in the same field and 3+ years of experience in pre‑silicon verification and/or front end.
• Software/programming languages (i.e. C, C++, C#, Visual Basic/.NET, Perl, Python, Java, etc.)
• System Verilog/Verilog/VHDL, Verification, Validation and/or VCS or similar simulator.
• Experience developing comprehensive pre‑silicon validation test plans, translating architecture and design specifications into validation objectives, test scenarios, coverage models, execution strategies, and sign‑off criteria.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Experience with computer architecture and microarchitecture.
• Experience with coverage‑driven validation.
• Experience in IP/SOC ASIC validation.
• Experience in Specman E and/or OVM/UVM.
• Knowledge with x86 core architecture and instruction set.

Why Join Intel

At Intel, you'll have the opportunity to work on some of the industry's most advanced CPU architectures and help enable the next generation of computing. As part of the P‑Core Design Team, you will collaborate with world‑class engineers, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute to products that power AI, cloud computing, client platforms, and emerging technologies around the globe. If you are passionate about processor architecture, verification, and building innovative technology that impacts millions of users, we encourage you to apply.

Job Type

Experienced Hire

Shift

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location

US, California, Folsom

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel. Annual salary range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $141,910.00 - $269,100.00 USD. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on‑site presence. Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

Additional Information

Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.