CPU Validation Engineer

Intel; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Vacation

Job summary

Intel in Austin, TX is seeking an experienced CPU validation professional to design and execute validation plans for CPUs across silicon platforms. You will work with architecture, design, verification, and manufacturing teams to improve validation strategies and ensure silicon readiness.

The role requires hands‑on experience with CPU core architecture, RTL/Emulation environments, and scripting in C/C++ or Python. A strong debugging mindset and collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 1+ year, or PhD with 0 years.
• Knowledge of CPU architecture and related courses in VLSI or digital design.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python; familiarity with Verilog/SystemVerilog is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Defines, develops, and performs functional validation for CPUs, focusing on validation of internals and integration.
• Develops CPU validation methodologies and test plans; executes plans with cross‑team collaboration.
• Publishes validation reports and liaises with architecture, design, and manufacturing teams.
• Builds validation infrastructure and tools for silicon readiness across environments.
• Engages in product lifecycle activities and debug across simulation, emulation, and FPGA.

Skills

CPU architecture knowledge

C/C++

Python

Verilog/System Verilog

Debugging skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS

Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS

PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS

Tools

RTL simulation

Emulation environments

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.

Job 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 2+ years of relevant experience, OR Master's degree with 1+ years of experience, OR PhD with 0 years of experience with:
• Knowledge of CPU Architecture
• Courses in VLSI\Digital Design or related
• Knowledge of coding language like C/C++, Python

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field, with demonstrated experience in CPU design, verification, or architecture
• 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

Job Type

Experienced Hire

Shift

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location

US, Texas, Austin

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 Trust

N/A

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: $105,650.00 - 200,340.00 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 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.

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.