Lead SoC Design Verification Engineer

Inspire Semiconductor, Inc.; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Equity

Flexible time off

Bonus potential

Job summary

InspireSemi is seeking a seasoned Lead SoC Verification Engineer to own verification of a cluster-on-a-chip with RISC-V cores and a complex NoC. You will define verification plans, build advanced testbenches, ensure ISA conformance, and collaborate across teams to optimize performance and coverage.

You will lead and mentor a growing verification team while advancing in-house verification tools and methodologies. This is a milestone leadership role in a hypergrowth startup.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience with SoC verification and industry-standard verification methodologies.
• Deep understanding of SystemVerilog, UVM, and simulation tools.
• Experience interfacing simulations to software/hardware via DPI/VPI.
• Strong scripting in Python, C/C++, and TCL is desirable.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Craft and execute comprehensive verification plans from the ground up.
• Develop unit- and system-level testbenches and ensure ISA compliance testing.
• Debug issues with design team and drive coverage improvements.
• Improve test infrastructure and automation frameworks.
• Mentor and grow a team of verification engineers.

Skills

SystemVerilog

UVM

SoC verification

Xcelium

DPI/VPI

Python

C/C++

Scripting

Git

Jira/Confluence

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

DPI/VPI tooling

Git

Jira

Confluence

Xcelium

Job description

About Us At InspireSemi, we're not just building chips; we're revolutionizing high-performance computing. Our groundbreaking architecture packs thousands of 64-bit CPU cores onto a single chip, all seamlessly connected. We're driven by a mission to make high performance computing more accessible, energy-efficient, and easier for developers to harness. Ready to make a real impact? Join our passionate team!

Why Join InspireSemi?

• Be a Pioneer: Get in on the ground floor of a hypergrowth startup! You'll be part of a small, dynamic team shaping the future of computing.
• Make an Impact: Your work will directly contribute to disruptive technology.
• Grow With Us: Seize significant growth and development opportunities, including the chance to build a team.
• Rewarding Compensation: We offer a competitive salary, bonus potential, and meaningful equity.
• Flexibility: Benefit from a hybrid work model (with potential for fully remote for exceptional candidates) and flexible time off.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a seasoned Lead SoC Verification Engineer to own the complete verification of our innovative Supercomputer cluster-on-a-chip. This critical role encompasses our RISC-V cores, complex network-on-chip, and 3rd-party peripheral IP integrations. You will have significant discretion to choose the most efficient methods and tools to ensure our designs are robust and performant. This is a leadership position where you'll have the opportunity to build out our in-house verification dream team.

What You’ll Do

• Craft and execute comprehensive verification plans from the ground up.
• Develop sophisticated unit-level and system-level testbenches.
• Implement and ensure RISC-V ISA compliance testing.
• Conduct preliminary debugging of discovered issues, working closely with the design team.
• Analyze and drive enhancements for functional and code coverage.
• Integrate simulations with real user interfaces, stimulus generators, and checkers.
• Identify performance bottlenecks and opportunities for optimization through verification.
• Continuously innovate and improve our test infrastructure and automation frameworks.
• Manage, mentor, and grow a team of verification engineers.

What You Bring

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 7+ years of hands‑on experience in SoC verification.
• A deep understanding of SystemVerilog, UVM, and simulation tools (Xcelium preferred).
• Proven experience interfacing simulations to other software and hardware via DPI/VPI.
• Proficiency with version control (git/Bitbucket) and project tracking (Jira, Confluence).
• Strong knowledge of common bus protocols (AXI, AHB, PCIe, DDR4/5, etc.).
• Solid familiarity with CPU architecture and digital design concepts.
• Excellent scripting and programming skills (Python, C/C++, TCL).
• Outstanding communication and collaboration abilities.

Bonus Points

• Experience with formal verification techniques (e.g., Conformal LEC).
• Hands‑on experience with emulation systems (like Zebu or Palladium) or FPGA prototyping.

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