Post Silicon SoC Power and Performance Validation Engineer

Ampere; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 159,000 - 239,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Unlimited flextime

10+ paid holidays

Job summary

Ampere, a leading semiconductor design company, seeks a silicon validation engineer to own post-silicon power management validation across hardware and software. You will run software on silicon and collaborate with DV, Platform, and Software teams to optimize performance.

You will develop automated test infra, design stress tests, and drive improvements in power validation across OS, BIOS, and drivers using logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in system-level test development and post-silicon validation.
• At least 2 years focused on processor active/idle power management, power characterization, VF curve, and thermal analysis.
• Proficient in assembly, Python, or C/C++.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of post-silicon validation for system power and processor power management features, covering hardware and software aspects.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance test infrastructure for automated execution and metrics collection.
• Design and execute comprehensive post-silicon test plans by running software on silicon and leveraging simulation results from design verification teams.
• Develop stress and evaluation tests to characterize power and frequency behavior under idle, TDP, and real-world use cases.
• Lead silicon bring-up, boot processes, debugging, and device characterization efforts.
• Collaborate on debug architecture improvements to streamline silicon issue resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing new tools and methodologies for power validation.
• Identify and implement power optimizations across OS, BIOS, drivers, and SoC layers.
• Utilize advanced instrumentation such as logic analyzers, debuggers, and oscilloscopes in a post-silicon environment.

Skills

Assembly

Python

C/C++

CPU architectures

Power management

Debugging

RTL concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

MS degree in related field

PhD in related field

Tools

Logic Analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Debuggers

Silicon Bring-up tools

Compilers

Job description

Invent the future with us. Ampere is a semiconductor design company for a new era, leading the future of computing with an innovative approach to CPU design focused on high-performance, energy efficient AI compute.

Description

Invent the future with us. Ampere is a semiconductor design company for a new era, leading the future of computing with an innovative approach to CPU design focused on high-performance, energy efficient AI compute. As a pioneer in the new frontier of energy efficient high-performance computing, Ampere is part of the Softbank Group of companies driving sustainable computing for AI, Cloud, and edge applications.

Join us at Ampere and work alongside a passionate and growing team-we’dlove to have you.

About the Role

At Ampere, our Silicon Validation team goes beyond traditional testing. We are innovators who contribute directly to product development by challenging conventions, generating creative solutions, and driving the future of server technology. You’ll collaborate with a diverse, highly skilled team spanning hardware, software, architecture, and analog tuning disciplines, working closely with DV, Platform, Software, and FAE engineers.

What You'll Achieve

• Take ownership of post-silicon validation for system power and processor power management features, covering both hardware and software aspects.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance test infrastructure for automated execution and metrics collection.
• Design and execute comprehensive post-silicon test plans by running software on silicon and leveraging simulation results from design verification teams.
• Develop stress and evaluation tests to characterize power and frequency behavior under various conditions including idle, TDP, and real-world use cases.
• Lead silicon bring-up, boot processes, debugging, and device characterization efforts.
• Collaborate on debug architecture improvements to streamline silicon issue resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing new tools and methodologies for power validation.
• Identify and implement power optimizations across OS, BIOS, drivers, and SoC layers.
• Utilize advanced instrumentation such as logic analyzers, debuggers, and oscilloscopes in a post-silicon environment.

About You

• Experienced: Minimum 5 years in system-level test development and post-silicon validation, with at least 2 years focused on processor active/idle power management, power characterization, VF curve, and thermal analysis.
• Skilled Programmer: Proficient in assembly, Python, or C/C++ programming languages.
• Detail-Oriented: Strong fault detection mindset with a passion for quality and data-driven decision making.
• Collaborative: A team player who thrives in cross-functional environments and values open communication.
• Hands-On: Comfortable working directly with silicon and debugging complex hardware/software interactions.
• Deep understanding of CPU and SoC architectures.
• Familiarity with industry-standard CPU and IO benchmarks.
• Knowledge of digital logic design, analog circuitry, and power delivery systems.
• Experience with processor power management firmware and RTOS.Proficiency with compilers, debugging utilities, and silicon bring-up tools.
• Understanding of SoC packaging, board components, and their impact on power and performance.
• Basic knowledge of ARM architecture and UEFI/Linux boot sequences.
• Electrical or Computer Engineering - Bachelor’s degree & 5 years of related experience; or MS degree & 3 years; or PhD & no prior experience

What We’ll Offer

At Ampere we believe in taking care of our employees and providing a competitive total rewards package that includes base pay, cash long-term incentive, and comprehensive benefits. The full base pay range for this role is between $159,000 and $239,000.

Our benefits include health, wellness, and financial programs that support employees through every stage of life.

Benefit Highlights Include

• Premium medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, as well as income protection and a 401K retirement plan, so that you can feel secure in your health and financial future.
• Unlimited Flextime and 10+ paid holidays so that you can embrace a healthy work-life balance.
• A variety of healthy snacks, energizing espresso, and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.

Ampere is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, age, veteran and/or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.