Lead Hardware Design Validation Engineer

2100 NVIDIA USA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; CAD 233,000 - 447,000; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking a Lead Hardware Design Validation Engineer to lead validation for GPU, datacenter and automotive platforms in Santa Clara, CA. You will own end-to-end validation from architecture through mass production and mentor a team of validation engineers across multiple sites.

Responsibilities include defining test plans, driving system-level debugging, collaborating with manufacturing and suppliers, and building scalable validation automation.

Qualifications

• BS+ in EE/CE or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of related experience with a proven track record as a technical lead for a shipping hardware product.
• Proven leadership, leading validation through an entire product cycle from bring-up to mass production.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end product validation from architecture/design phase through bring-up to mass production.
• Lead and mentor design validation engineers across multiple teams and sites.
• Define test plans across the full system (power, high-speed IO, clock/resets, sensors, firmware, etc.).
• Drive system-level debugging and root cause analysis on complex issues spanning silicon, board, SI, firmware, and software.

Skills

Power validation

High-speed I/O

PCIe

SerDes

Electrical validation

Lab scripting

Linux debugging

Cross-functional leadership

Education

BS+ in EE/CE or equivalent

Tools

Lab equipment

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years.It’sa unique legacy of innovationthat’sfueled by great technology—and amazing people.Today,we’retapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doingwhat’snever been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN,you’llbe immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

Join NVIDIA’s groundbreaking team as aLeadHardwareDesignValidation Engineer for our GPU, datacenter and automotive platforms in Santa Clara, CA! This role offers an outstanding opportunity to lead a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries ofwhat’spossible in computing technology. Be part of a highly skilled team and build a significant difference in the world!

What you will be doing:

• Own end-to-end product validation from architecture/design phase, through bring-up to mass production: set strategies, define test plans, and track progress to ensure the product meets spec and ships successfully.

• Lead and mentordesignvalidation engineers. Guide related validation teams (thermal, EMI, reliability, etc.) and partners (such as JDM) through the validation cycles. Represent designvalidation in executive andcross-functional product reviews and debugforums.

• Be the accountable technical owner forvalidationstatus, risks, anddifferent milestones/release readiness.

• Define test plansacross the full system based on product design,such aspower, high-speed IO, low-speed IO,clock/resets, manageability (BMC),sensors, telemetry,firmware,full-system functional/stressvalidationetc.

• Guide manufacturing test approaches; contributeto production troubleshooting and boosting yield.

• Collaborate with and lead vendors and partnersto complete validation activities.

• Drivesystem-level debugging and root cause analysis on complex issues(including critical field returns)spanning silicon, board,system,signal integrity, firmware,and software.

• Influenceproduct design throughdesign reviewandvalidation/debug feedback.

• Build scalable validation automation and lab infrastructure across product lines.

What we need to see:

• BS+ in EE/CE or equivalent experience.

• 8+ years of related experience with a proventrack recordas a technical lead for a shippinghardwareproduct.

• Proven leadership, leading validation through an entire product cycle from bring-up to mass production.

• Strong systemtroubleshooting skills covering silicon, board, SI, firmware, OS, and applications.

• Hands-on experience with power validation, including PDN, power regulators, sequencing, telemetry,protectionetc.

• Expertisein high-speed IOfunctionality andelectricalvalidation, such as PCIe, SerDes, Ethernet,USB,or display.

• Proficient in low-speed IOfunctionality andelectricalvalidation, including I2C, SPI, UART, JTAG,SMBus, reference clock,etc.

• System functional and stress test experience: define and complete system-level stress workloads (thermal, power, IO, memory, mixed-mode, corner V/F,Wide Area Testetc.) to expose marginality and uncover corner-case failures.

• Proficiencywith lab equipment and scripting, comfortable in Linux environments including driver/firmware debug with strong communicationand program management skills; able to lead across multiple teams, sites, and time zones.

• Experience with manufacturing test plans, collaborating withOPs/CM/OEM teams, and driving production debug and yield improvement.

• Willing to go to local manufacturing sites near Santa Clara (typically up to 5%) to support NPI builds and un-gate factory.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Experienceleadingvalidation for a GPU, server, automotiveplatform, or AI accelerator from first silicon to mass production.

• Datacenter platform experience: high-density/rack-scale power, liquid cooling (CDU, manifolds,leak detection),manageability (BMC)etc.

• Proven capability in managing or technically leading a team of validation engineers.

• Able and willing to travel internationally (primarily to Asia mfg sites such as Taiwan, China mainland etc.), up to 8% during NPI peak, to support builds.

Widely considered to be one ofthe technologyworld’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your familywww.nvidiabenefits.com/

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 258,750 USD for Level 4, and 200,000 USD - 322,000 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 12, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.