CPU Top-Level Design Verification Engineer

Apple Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 129,300 - 194,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock programs

Relocation assistance

Medical & dental coverage

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Santa Clara, California, is seeking a verification engineer to help define verification methodology for low power complex processor designs. You will collaborate with RTL designers and verification engineers to build robust test environments and flows.

The role emphasizes SystemVerilog, C/C++, Python, and testbench development, plus coverage analysis and regression testing. Apple offers comprehensive benefits and relocation support where applicable.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering preferred.
• Strong understanding of processor design, instruction set architectures, pipeline design, cache hierarchies, and memory systems.
• RTL development – Experience creating efficient, synthesizable RTL code with timing closure, area optimization, and power‑aware design techniques.
• SystemVerilog – Proficiency in SystemVerilog including interfaces, assertions, and verification constructs. Ability to write clean, maintainable HDL code for both design and verification
• Programming/scripting skills (C, C++, Python) – Strong software development capabilities for automation and tool development. C/C++ experience with embedded programming and hardware interfaces. Python proficiency for scripting, design automation, and EDA tool integration
• Problem solving skills – Analytical thinking and systematic approach to complex hardware design and verification challenges
• Testbench Setup and Build Experience – Experience with build systems, regression frameworks, and maintaining verification infrastructure. Ability to set up automated testing flows and integrate with CI systems
• Random Regression and Failure Analysis Experience running large-scale random regression suites and systematically analyzing test failures. Skilled in debugging complex simulation issues, identifying root causes, and distinguishing between design bugs, testbench issues, and tool problems
• Driving Coverage Convergence Expertise – Experience developing coverage models, analyzing coverage gaps, and creating targeted tests to improve coverage metrics. Ability to work with design teams to achieve verification closure and sign-off criteria
• Be an outstanding teammate with excellent communication skills and the desire to address diverse challenges

Responsibilities

• Work closely with verification engineers and RTL designers on defining effective verification methodology for low power complex processor design
• Develop test plans, test benches, and test environments
• Develop tests in assembly, and C/C++
• Drive and develop the tools and flows for advanced verification methodology
• Develop, verify, and maintain efficient testbench environments
• Develop coverage monitors and analyze coverage to ensure all the test cases in the plans are covered

Skills

C/C++

SystemVerilog

Python

RTL development

Verification methodologies

Testbench development

Debugging

CI / regression testing

Waveform analysis

Communication

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering

Tools

Build systems

Regression frameworks

Waveform analysis tools

Job description

Santa Clara, California, United States Hardware

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, hard-working people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it! Join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product.

Description

• Work closely with verification engineers and RTL designers on defining effective verification methodology for low power complex processor design
• Develop test plans, test benches, and test environments
• Develop tests in assembly, and C/C++
• Drive and develop the tools and flows for advanced verification methodology
• Develop, verify, and maintain efficient testbench environments
• Develop coverage monitors and analyze coverage to ensure all the test cases in the plans are covered

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering preferred
• Computer Architecture – Strong understanding of processor design, instruction set architectures, pipeline design, cache hierarchies, and memory systems
• RTL development – Experience creating efficient, synthesizable RTL code with understanding of timing closure, area optimization, and power‑aware design techniques
• SystemVerilog – Proficiency in SystemVerilog including advanced features like interfaces, assertions, and verification constructs. Ability to write clean, maintainable HDL code for both design and verification
• Programming/scripting skills (C, C++, Python) – Strong software development capabilities for automation and tool development. C/C++ experience with embedded programming and hardware interfaces. Python proficiency for scripting, design automation, and EDA tool integration
• Problem solving skills – Analytical thinking and systematic approach to complex hardware design and verification challenges
• Testbench Setup and Build Experience – Experience with build systems, regression frameworks, and maintaining verification infrastructure. Ability to set up automated testing flows and integrate with continuous integration systems
• Random Regression and Failure Analysis Experience running large-scale random regression suites and systematically analyzing test failures. Skilled in debugging complex simulation issues, identifying root causes, and distinguishing between design bugs, testbench issues, and tool problems. Proficiency with waveform analysis and debug methodologies
• Driving Coverage Convergence Expertise – Experience developing coverage models, analyzing coverage gaps, and creating targeted tests to improve coverage metrics. Ability to work with design teams to achieve verification closure and sign-off criteria
• Be an outstanding teammate with excellent communication skills and the desire to address diverse challenges

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $129,300 and $194,700, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace. Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.