Senior Emulation Engineer

Samsung Semiconductor Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. in San Jose is seeking an experienced hardware engineer to lead pre-silicon verification, large-scale emulation, and FPGA prototyping for memory-centric SoCs.

You will partition multi-million-gate designs, develop transactors, and enable early firmware bring-up with robust debugging infrastructure. You will work with Cadence/Synopsys/Siemens platforms, optimize for performance, and run AI/ML workloads pre-silicon to validate system-level behavior.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in pre-silicon verification, validation, and SoC bring-up.
• 5+ years in FPGA prototyping and large-scale hardware emulation of ASIC/SoC designs.
• Hands-on with major emulation platforms and multi-FPGA partitioning.
• Proficient in Verilog/SystemVerilog and memory modeling for emulation.
• Scripting experience (Tcl/Python) for flow automation; AI tools helpful.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain large-scale hardware emulation and FPGA prototyping platforms.
• Partition multi-million-gate designs onto emulation systems and multi-FPGA prototypes.
• Develop transactors, speed bridges, and co-emulation environments.
• Model memory subsystems, clocks, resets, and high-speed I/O for emulation.
• Enable early firmware bring-up with stable targets and debug infrastructure.
• Run AI/ML workloads pre-silicon to validate function and performance.
• Debug complex issues with waveform capture, assertions, and root-cause analysis.
• Trade off emulation vs. prototyping for capacity, speed, and bring-up time.
• Automate flows (compile, partition, build) using scripting and AI tools.
• Communicate with users, partners, and management to deliver on time.

Skills

Pre-silicon verification

SoC bring-up

FPGA prototyping

Hardware emulation

Cadence Palladium

Synopsys ZeBu

Siemens Veloce

Synopsys HAPS

Cadence Protium

SCE-MI / co-emulation

Verilog/SystemVerilog

Tcl/Python scripting

AI/ML workloads

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Cadence Palladium

Synopsys ZeBu

Siemens Veloce

Synopsys HAPS

Cadence Protium

PCIe / DDR / AXI interfaces

Job description

Please Note:

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.

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.

The AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) Computing Lab is dedicated to solving the complex system-level challenges posed by the growing demands of future AI/ML workloads. Our team is committed to designing and developing scalable platforms that can effectively handle the computational and memory requirements of these workloads while minimizing energy consumption and maximizing performance. To achieve this goal, we collaborate closely with both hardware and software engineers to identify and address the unique challenges posed by AI/ML workloads and to explore new computing abstractions that can provide a better balance between the hardware and software components of our systems. Additionally, we continuously conduct research and development in emerging technologies and trends across memory, computing, interconnect, and AI/ML, ensuring that our platforms are always equipped to handle the most demanding workloads of the future. By working together as a dedicated and passionate team, we aim to revolutionize the way AI/ML applications are deployed and executed, ultimately contributing to the advancement of AGI in an affordable and sustainable manner. Join us in our passion to shape the future of computing!

Location: Daily onsite presence at our San Jose, CA office / U.S. headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy.

What You'll Do

• Build, bring up, and maintain large-scale hardware emulation and FPGA prototyping platforms for memory-centric computing SoCs, enabling pre-silicon hardware and software validation.
• Partition and map complex multi-million-gate designs onto emulation systems and multi-FPGA prototypes, optimizing for capacity, run-time performance, and debug visibility.
• Develop transactors, speed bridges, and co-emulation (SCE-MI) environments that connect the design under test to host software and virtual or physical interfaces.
• Model memory subsystems, clock and reset schemes, and high-speed I/O interfaces for accurate, high-throughput emulation and prototyping.
• Enable early firmware, driver, and software bring-up by delivering stable emulation and prototype targets with robust debug infrastructure.
• Run AI/ML workloads and performance benchmarks pre-silicon to validate functionality and system-level performance.
• Debug complex hardware and software issues using waveform capture, assertions, and coverage, driving root-cause analysis together with design, verification, and software teams.
• Make trade-offs between emulation and prototyping - capacity, speed, bring-up time, and debug - to select the right platform for each project milestone.
• Develop and automate emulation and prototyping flows (compile, partitioning, and build) using scripting and agentic AI tools and frameworks to improve turnaround time and quality of results.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including users, partners, and management, to ensure that designs are delivered on time and within budget.
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's with 5+ years, or Master's with 3+ years, or PhD's with 0+ years of industry experience.
• Strong background in pre-silicon verification, validation, and SoC bring-up.
• 5+ years of experience in both FPGA prototyping and large-scale hardware emulation of complex ASIC/SoC designs.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale emulation platforms such as Cadence Palladium, Synopsys ZeBu, or Siemens Veloce.
• Hands-on experience with FPGA prototyping platforms such as Synopsys HAPS or Cadence Protium, including multi-FPGA design partitioning and timing closure.
• Experience with transactors, co-emulation (SCE-MI), speed bridges, and standard interface protocols such as PCIe, DDR/HBM, AXI/CHI, or Ethernet.
• Proficiency in Verilog/SystemVerilog and in design bring-up, clocking, reset, and memory modeling for emulation and prototyping.
• Proficiency in scripting (Tcl, Python, or Perl) for emulation and prototyping flow automation; familiarity with agentic AI tools and frameworks is a plus.
• Experience running AI/ML workloads or system-level software pre-silicon.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• 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-VL1

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, medical travel support, and virtual vet care for your fur babies.

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 Cafe 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

$138,000 — $206,000 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.

Recruiting Agency Policy

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.

Applicant AI Use Policy

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.

Trade Secret Notice

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.

Applicant Privacy Policy

https://semiconductor.samsung.com/about-us/careers/us/privacy/