SerDes Design and Validation Engineer

Apple Inc.; Austin, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a SerDes Design and Validation Engineer to lead system validation of mixed-signal SerDes IP. You will design and validate high-speed receivers, transmitters, bias generators, and clock networks, aiming for best-in-class power, performance, and area.

You will develop analog DFT techniques, create test plans, and collaborate with production test teams to debug bring-up issues. The role requires strong fundamentals, curiosity, and leadership in a collaborative, diverse

Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.
• Experience in high-speed serial links and SerDes protocols (PCIe, USB, DP, MPHY) preferred.
• Knowledge of Tx/Rx equalization, CTLE, DFE, de-emphasis, CDR architectures.
• Experience with AMS IC development and layout supervision.

Responsibilities

• Ownership of SerDes system bring-up, validation and debug.
• Define DFT needs to improve testability and first-time silicon success.
• Collaborate with design teams to understand architecture and enable testability.
• Drive lab and production testing, data analysis and issue debug.

Skills

SerDes design

Analog/mixed-signal

High-speed SerDes

DFT/test development

AMS IP development

Lab testing

Automation scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python scripting

EDA tools

Lab instrumentation

Job description

Apple is looking for a SerDes Design and Validation Engineer to Lead system validation of mixed-signal SerDes IP. In this highly visible role, you will contribute to the design, integration and validation of high-performance analog and mixed-signal circuits for SerDes PHY applications. This encompasses the design and optimization of critical building blocks such as receivers, transmitters, bias generators, high-speed clock generation and distribution networks targeting best-in-class power, performance, and area metrics. A key part of your design responsibilities will include the development of analog DFT circuits and techniques essential for comprehensive PHY validation. You will develop test plans, review and analyze data to guarantee a robust IP design. You will drive and work closely with production test (e.g. ATE, system validation) teams and debug complex design and system bring-up issues. At Apple, we strive every day to create products that enrich people's lives - a mission that brings exciting challenges in SOC/PHY design! We're looking for individuals with strong fundamentals and a proven track record to tackle complex technical problems. You are driven by curiosity, eager to learn new skills, and motivated to maximize the impact of your work. You see the big picture while diving deeply into details to innovate and solve problems. You thrive in collaborative, diverse teams, maintaining a positive spirit even when challenges arise. Above all, you care about making a difference in society and demonstrate leadership through meaningful contributions. We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and especially hardworking system validation engineer with strong background in high-speed serial links. As a member of our dynamic team, you will have the rare and rewarding opportunity to work on upcoming products that will surprise and delight millions of Apple's customers every day. And all of this while enjoying a great culture where you own your career.

Description

In this role, the key responsibilities are the following:Ownership of SerDes system bring-up, validation and debug. This will involve a SerDes bring up in system environment, verifying basic operations, analyzing robustness and margins in system. Work with design teams to understand the architecture and define DFT needs to help enhance testability and first-time silicon success. Be involved in mixed-signal verification tasks to better understand the SerDes operation and interaction with higher level control logic.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate should have experience in high-speed serial links with expertise in the following:
• Solid understanding and experience of designing analog mixed signal circuit blocks including Bandgap, biasing circuits, LDO regulators, amplifiers, comparators, switched-cap circuits, ADCs, DACs, Oscillators, Filters.
• Solid understanding of analog mixed-signal concepts like mismatch mitigation, linearity, stability, low-power and low-noise techniques.
• Solid understanding and experience with digitally assisted analog design concepts (e.g. background calibrations, LMS based adaptive loops).
• Hands-on experience to drive lab and production testing, debug, and data analysis
• Hands-on experience with AMS IC development from definition to high-volume production including layout supervision, bench evaluation, correlation, and characterization.
• Skills in scripting and automation to enhance efficiency are highly desirable.
• Experience in high-speed serial links, with knowledge of common high-speed SerDes protocols like PCIe, USB, DP, and MPHY.
• Knowledge of Tx/Rx equalization techniques and circuits, including CTLE, DFE, and de-emphasis, as well as CDR architectures and implementations.
• Knowledge of common high-speed SerDes protocols (e.g., PCIe, USB, DP, MPHY) is highly desired.
• Exposure to firmware assisted mixed signal IP development is desirable.
• Knowledge and inquisitiveness in AI/ML domains, and ability to apply the concepts for improved silicon performance, and also for productivity improvements in the design/validation of the IP

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

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