Silicon Validation Engineer

Apple Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 129,300 - 225,300; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Area is seeking a DDR Silicon Validation Engineer to validate advanced analog and mixed-signal circuits for mobile SoCs.

You will perform bench-level validation, bring-up, and characterization of DDR memory interfaces, and develop robust tests using FPGA, JTAG, SPI, and analog controls. You will automate data collection, analyze results, and deliver detailed reports with actionable feedback to design teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proven DDR memory validation, characterization, or bring-up experience preferred.
• Strong scripting for test automation and data analysis.
• Hands-on lab skills with test equipment and SI/PI understanding.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on bench test, bring-up, and characterization of DDR memory interfaces for complex SoCs.
• Develop robust benchtop electrical tests using FPGA, JTAG, SPI, and analog controls.
• Automate test execution, data extraction, and report generation via scripting and tools.
• Debug silicon issues and provide detailed characterization reports with design feedback.
• Conduct in-system PI and SI measurements, correlating with simulations.
• Collaborate with Design, System Hardware, and Software teams for integration and validation.
• Support ATE and Product Engineering for inter-operability tests and ramp-up.

Skills

DDR memory validation

Python

Perl

MATLAB

Bench testing

Power integrity

Signal integrity

Lab instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic Analyzers

BERTs

Job description

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States Hardware

Imagine playing a pivotal role in bringing Apple's groundbreaking mobile SoCs to life, impacting millions of users worldwide. As a DDR Silicon Validation Engineer, you will be at the forefront of innovation, performing critical lab characterization and validation of advanced analog and mixed-signal embedded circuits. This is an unparalleled opportunity to join a dynamic, multi-functional team where your expertise will directly contribute to launching products that redefine what's possible and enrich people's lives. If you thrive on solving complex challenges and are eager to shape the future of mobile technology, we invite you to explore this exciting role.

Description

This role involves the comprehensive bench-level validation, bring-up, and characterization of DDR memory interfaces within Apple's cutting-edge SoCs. You will be responsible for developing and executing electrical tests, automating data collection, and providing crucial design feedback through detailed analysis and reporting. Success in this position requires a hands‑on approach to debugging complex silicon issues and a strong understanding of signal and power integrity measurements.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on bench test, bring‑up, and characterization of DDR memory interfaces for complex SoCs.
• Develop robust benchtop electrical tests, utilizing various interfaces like FPGA, JTAG, SPI, and analog controls.
• Automate test execution, data extraction, and report generation through scripting with database and analytical tools.
• Debug complex silicon issues and provide detailed characterization reports with actionable design feedback.
• Conduct in‑system Power Integrity (PI) and Signal Integrity (SI) measurements, correlating results with simulation models.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including Design, System Hardware, and Software to ensure seamless integration and validation.
• Support ATE and Product Engineering teams for inter‑operability tests and production ramp‑up.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in DDR memory validation, characterization, or bring‑up.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Perl, or MATLAB for test automation and data analysis.
• Strong hands‑on lab skills with test equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and BERTs.
• Deep understanding of signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI) concepts and measurement techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to debug complex silicon issues and drive root cause analysis.
• Experience collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams (Design, System HW, SW, ATE).
• Familiarity with SoC architecture and various on‑chip interfaces (e.g., JTAG, SPI).

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $129,300 and $225,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits. Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace. Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.