Principal Engineer, Hardware Emulation

Samsung Semiconductor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 219,000 - 351,000; Full time

Job summary

Samsung Semiconductor in San Jose, CA, seeks an experienced Emulation Engineer to advance our pre-silicon verification. You will own emulation infrastructure, collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software teams, and help optimize debug and validation workflows for mixed-signal SoCs.

The role requires strong scripting skills, expertise with Palladium or Zebu, and a proactive, collaborative mindset. Onsite presence at our San Jose headquarters is expected.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer/Electrical/Electronic Engineering or CS with 20 years of experience (or MS with 18 years).
• Experience emulation on Palladium or Zebu.
• Experience with emulation compile flow, wave dump & triggers.
• Experience writing scripts in Perl or Python.
• Exposure to Makefile or other build flows.
• Experience with waveform debug tools such as Verdi/SimVision.
• Good understanding of Verilog and SystemVerilog RTL design.
• Exposure to synthesizable SystemVerilog/Verilog code and SVAs.
• Strong communication skills and a team player.

Responsibilities

• Bring up the emulation platform for mixed-signal SoCs and develop monitors and checkers for the emulation platform.
• Debug emulation performance and area issues, and develop/maintain emulation environment; support methodology and tools, develop workflows, and collaborate with teams for analysis.
• Triage and fix design issues; work with hardware design team and vendors on issues as needed.
• Leverage simulation-based design verification flows to assist emulation test planning/execution.
• Reproduce failures seen in real silicon on the emulator with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Emulation platforms

Palladium

Zebu

Emulation flow

Waveform debug

Verilog

SystemVerilog

Verdi/SimVision

Perl

Python

Makefile

Education

B.S./M.S. in EE/CS

20+ years experience or 18+ with MS

Tools

Palladium

Zebu

Job description

To provide the best candidate experience amidst our high application volumes, each candidate is limited to 10 applications across all open jobs within a 6-month period.

Advancing the World’s Technology Together

Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future.

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

What You’ll Do

These roles involve working with top-tier emulation vendors to improve capabilities and debug issues. Responsibilities include bringing up the emulation platform for mixed-signal SoCs and developing monitors and checkers for the emulation platform.

The role includes debugging emulation performance and area issues, as well as developing and maintaining the emulation environment. This role focuses on supporting emulation methodology and tools, developing workflows, and collaborating with various teams for productivity during debug and runtime analysis of emulation results.

Location: Daily onsite presence at our San Jose office/headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy

Job ID: 43052

• Technical knowledge and proficiency working with at least one industry-standard HW emulator platform: Palladium, Zebu.
• Own and maintain emulation infrastructure.
• Own and maintain chip level emulation models for validating different subsystems within a networking chip.
• Work with vendors on hardware and tool issues on a need basis.
• Enhance emulation methodology for robustness, test throughput, portability and debuggability
• Work cross functional with simulation, firmware and software test team to validate the chip pre-silicon. Support SW test bring up and debug on hardware emulator, collaborate with hardware design team to triage and fix design issues.
• Leverage understanding of simulation based design verification flows to help emulation test-planning and execution.
• Work cross functional with simulation, firmware and software test team to repro failures seen in real silicon on the emulator.

What You Bring

• BS in Computer/Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Computer Science, and 20 years of relevant experience or a MS in Computer/Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Computer Science with 18 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Emulation experience on any of the emulation platforms : Palladium or Zebu.
• Experience with emulation compile flow, wave dump & triggers, waveform debug, running tests.
• Experience writing scripts in Perl or Python.
• Exposure to Makefile or other build flows.
• Experience with waveform debug tools such as Verdi/SimVision.
• Good understanding of Verilog and SystemVerilog RTL design.
• Exposure to synthesizable SystemVerilog/Verilog code and SVAs.
• Strong communication skills and a team player.
• You’re inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
• An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
• You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.

#LI-SF1

What We Offer

The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.
This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.

Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
Enjoy Time Away You’ll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.
Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way—including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, caregiver support, and medical travel support.
Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on-demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions, you’ll have support no matter where you are.
Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That’s why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

Base Pay Range

$219,000 - $351,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy-related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.

Our Commitment to Innovation and Fairness

At Samsung Semiconductor, we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the recruitment process to enhance efficiency. However, AI is used as a support tool, not a final decision-maker. All hiring decisions are made by our human recruiting team and hiring managers to ensure every candidate is evaluated fairly and holistically.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes. Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.

At Samsung Semiconductor, we support innovation and technology. However, to ensure a fair and authentic assessment, we ask that candidates rely on their own knowledge and skills throughout the process. AI tools may be used for basic preparation, grammar, and research, but should not be used to generate or assist with submitted content or live interview responses. If we determine that AI is being used outside these guidelines, we reserve the right to pause or end the interview, and your candidacy may be disqualified.

By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung—or encourage Samsung to use—any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.

The application deadline for this role is January 17, 2027