Senior DFT - Silicon Validation Engineer

Thomas To; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 311,000; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior DFT - Silicon Validation Engineer for its Santa Clara, CA team. You will drive end-to-end DFT architecture, validate complex SoCs on ATE, and collaborate across functions to define next-gen test strategies for NVIDIA's chips.

Strong debugging and communication skills are required, with experience in pre-silicon validation. Join a leading innovator in AI, GPUs, and semiconductor design.

Qualifications

• Degree requirements: BSEE/MSEE or PhD with years in DFT.
• Experience in silicon debug and DFT feature productization.
• Leadership in yield ramp and waste reduction for multiple products.
• Hands-on pre-silicon validation for DFT features.
• Strong written and verbal communication; scripting in Python/Perl/Tcl preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end DFT architecture for silicon validation.
• Define test strategies for ATE aligned to product roadmap.
• Lead early silicon validation for complex SoCs.
• Identify root causes and drive strong production ramp.

Skills

DFT education

Silicon debug & DFT features

Yield ramp leadership

Pre-silicon validation

Communication skills

Perl/Python/Tcl scripting

Education

BSEE/MSEE/PhD in DFT

Tools

DFT tools

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we’re tapping 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. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be 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 Design-for-Test Engineering team in Santa Clara, CA, where we are driven by a passion for innovation and excellence. We have transformed the industry over twenty years through the invention of the GPU. This powerful technology changed modern computer graphics and parallel computing. Our latest innovations support progress in AI. We keep evolving to solve emerging challenges. As a Senior DFT - Silicon Validation Engineer, you will work on ground breaking technologies in DFT to accelerate and left shift silicon validation of the most complex semiconductor chips.

What You'll Be Doing

As a member of our team, you will collaborate with multi-functional teams to drive the silicon validation of NVIDIA's chips. In this role you will drive the end to end DFT architecture and methodologies to accelerate the post silicon bring up & characterization. You will collaborate across functions to help define the next generation test strategies for ATE for our product roadmap. You will lead early silicon validation for complex SoC or equivalent experience. Your tasks include planning from architecture and development, performing chip validation on ATE, debugging test content, and analyzing silicon behavior under various operating conditions. You will identify failure root causes and collaborate with a multi-functional team to ensure a strong production ramp. Your role is pivotal in validating and ramping up the yield for our chips, making a significant impact on NVIDIA's technological advancements.

What We Need To See

• BSEE (or equivalent experience) with 8+, MSEE with 5+ years of experience, or PhD with 3+ years in DFT or related domains
• Expertise in silicon debug and bring-up & productization of DFT features.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving yield ramp and waste reduction for multiple products.
• Hands on experience in pre-silicon validation for various DFT features.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills with the curiosity to work on rare challenges.
• Strong programming and scripting skills in Perl, Python, or Tcl desired

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd

• Proven track record of successfully implementing advanced DFT methodologies in groundbreaking semiconductor technologies
• Strong knowledge of high-speed protocols and semiconductor process technology
• Knowledge of industry-standard DFT tools and software
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to overcoming technical challenges

Widely considered to be one of the technology world’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 family www.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 - 264,500 USD for Level 4, and 196,000 USD - 310,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 25, 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.