CPU Validation Engineer

Intel Corporation; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

Intel Corporation in Austin, Texas is seeking a CPU Validation Engineer to help ensure the functionality, performance, and reliability of Intel's latest processors. You will define validation plans, run silicon debug, and collaborate with architecture, design, verification, and manufacturing teams to drive silicon readiness.

The role requires a foundation in CPU architecture, VLSI or digital design, and programming in C/C++ or Python; familiarity with Verilog/SystemVerilog and RTL simulation is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• Knowledge of CPU Architecture.
• Courses in VLSI/Digital Design or related.
• Knowledge of C/C++, Python.

Responsibilities

• Defines, develops, and performs CPU functional validation for internals and system features.
• Uses hardware/software tools to ensure validation covers performance, power, and area goals.
• Reviews design changes for impact on validation plans and timelines.
• Develops validation methodologies and test plans; executes validation with cross‑team collaboration.
• Applies CPU core architecture and microarchitecture knowledge.
• Performs silicon debug to identify root causes and triage failures.
• Tests interactions between CPU features using validation infra.
• Develops post-silicon validation infra and test environment.
• Publishes validation reports and communicates results to teams.
• Collaborates across architecture, design, verification, board, and manufacturing.
• Creates IP interaction content using patching techniques with microcode/firmware.
• Participates in all life-cycle phases, validating content across environments.

Skills

CPU Architecture

VLSI/Digital Design

C/C++, Python

Verilog/SystemVerilog

X86 assembly

RTL simulation

RTL debugging

Lab hardware

AI agents

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Simulation tools

Emulation environments

FPGAs

Job description

# **Job Details:**## Job Description:The world is transforming - and so is Intel. Intel is a company of bold and curious inventors and problem solvers who create some of the most astounding technology advancements and experiences in the world. With a legacy of relentless innovation and a commitment to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth, our diverse and brilliant teams are continually searching for tomorrow's technology and revel in the challenge that changing the world for the better brings. We work every single day to design and manufacture silicon products that empower people's digital lives. Come join us and do something wonderful. **The Role and Impact** As a CPU Validation Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the functionality, performance, and reliability of Intel's cutting-edge CPU products. Your day-to-day work will involve developing and executing validation plans, performing silicon debug, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize designs and resolve issues. Your contributions will be integral to delivering high-quality, performance-driven CPU solutions that meet Intel's standards. **Business group** You will be part of Intel Corporation's Component Design team, which focuses on developing innovative and high-performance processors that drive computing technology forward. This group plays a critical role in designing, validating, and delivering technologies that support Intel's leadership in global innovation and enable advancements across industries, empowering businesses and individuals worldwide. **Key Responsibilities*** Defines, develops, and performs functional validation for CPUs, focusing on validation of the CPU internals and CPU integration in system level features for Intel performance and power efficient cores.* Applies various hardware and software level tools and techniques to ensure validation coverage and that performance, power, and area goals are met.* Reviews proposed design changes to assess impact on validation plans, tasks, and timelines.* Develops CPU validation methodologies and test plans, executes validation plans, and collaborates with other engineers for design optimization, troubleshooting, and failure analysis.* Applies knowledge of CPU core architecture, processor microarchitecture, and design.* Performs silicon debug to identify root causes and resolves all functional and triage failures for CPU issues.* Tests interactions between various CPU features using validation infrastructure.* Develops postsilicon validation infrastructure (e.g., performance monitors, behavioral checkers, state space coverage) and test environment used in validation testing.* Publishes CPU validation reports summarizing all validation activities performed, reviews results, and communicates to relevant teams.* Works with architecture, design, verification, board, platform, and manufacturing teams to maintain and improve debug, validation test strategy, methodologies, and processes for CPU interfaces and to meet desired product specifications.* Develops content to create or increase specific IP interactions using a variety of tools and techniques (including patching techniques using microcode, firmware, or custom OS builds).* Engages in all phases of the product life cycle, develops, and validates content and infrastructure, and bug hunts in multiple environments (simulation, emulation, FPGAs) to ensure silicon readiness. ## **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. Experience listed below would be obtained through a combination of your degree, research and or relevant previous job and or internship experiences.**Minimum Qualifications:*** Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field with 0 years of relevant experience.* Knowledge of CPU Architecture.* Courses in VLSI\\Digital Design or related.* Knowledge of coding language like C/C++, Python.**Preferred Qualifications:*** Verilog, System Verilog, and X86 assembly coding.* Use of AI agents in your projects, college classes, or software development.* Familiarity with RTL simulation and emulation environments.* RTL Debugging at module level or soc level system simulation failures.* Knowledge of basic lab hardware\\equipment's like scope, power supply, etc.* Excellent analytical and debugging skills, with a creative approach to problem-solving.* Effective collaboration skills to work across teams.Join us to shape the future of technology and make an impact on products that power innovations across the globe.## Job Type:College Grad## Shift:Shift 1 (United States of America)## Primary Location:US, Texas, Austin## Additional Locations:## 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.## ## Position of TrustN/A## BenefitsWe 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: $91,150.00-172,860.00 USDThe 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 be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. \\* Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.