Lead SoC Design Verification Engineer

Inspire Semiconductor, Inc.; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Fully remote potential for exceptional

Competitive compensation

Equity

Job summary

InspireSemi seeks a Lead SoC Verification Engineer to own verification for a multi-core RISC-V/NoC SoC. You will guide verification strategy, build advanced testbenches, and drive ISA conformance across offshore contractors.

Strong SystemVerilog/UVM, Xcelium experience and leadership across teams are essential. Join a high-impact, hybrid-work environment with competitive compensation, equity and bonus potential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in SoC verification.
• Strong background in SystemVerilog, UVM and simulation tools.
• Experience interfacing simulations to software/hardware via DPI/VPI.
• Proficiency with version control (Git/Bitbucket) and project tracking (Jira/Confluence).
• Knowledge of common bus protocols (AXI, AHB, PCIe, DDR4/5).
• Solid CPU architecture and digital design fundamentals.
• Excellent scripting and programming skills (Python, C/C++, TCL).
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Craft and execute comprehensive verification plans from scratch.
• Develop unit-level and system-level testbenches.
• Implement and verify RISC-V ISA testing.
• Debug issues with design team during verification.
• Analyze and improve functional and code coverage.
• Integrate simulations with user interfaces, stimulus generators and checkers.
• Identify performance bottlenecks and optimization opportunities.
• Invent and improve test infrastructure and automation frameworks.
• Manage, mentor, and grow offshore verification engineers.

Skills

SoC verification

SystemVerilog

UVM

Xcelium

DPI/VPI

Git/Bitbucket

Jira/Confluence

AXI/AHB/PCIe

DDR4/5

CPU architecture

Python

C/C++

TCL

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

Xcelium

DPI/VPI

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 System-on-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 manage several overseas contractors and 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, including offshore contractors.

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.

If you're excited about pushing the boundaries of computing and working on truly innovative technology in a rewarding environment, we'd love to hear from you!