Silicon Validation Engineer

Socket.dev; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Silicon Validation Engineer to perform board bring-up and hardware validation in a lab environment. You will execute tests, take electrical measurements (PCIe, USB, HDMI, I2C, SPI), and read schematics with Cadence Allegro. Proficiency with Python/Bash scripting helps validate silicon platforms.

Ideal candidates hold a B.E. in electrical engineering, strong debugging skills, and experience with lab equipment like oscilloscopes, DAQ, multimeters, and power

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in electrical engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in silicon validation and hardware bring-up.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform board bring-up, hardware debugging, and validation.
• Execute tests per defined plans.
• Take electrical measurements (PCIe, USB, HDMI, I2C, SPI).
• Read schematics/PCB layouts with Cadence Allegro.
• Use lab equipment and scripts for validation tasks.
• Document results and collaborate with teams.

Skills

Silicon validation

Board bring-up

Hardware debugging

Oscilloscope

Logic Analyzer

Cadence Allegro

Python scripting

Linux basics

PCIe / USB / HDMI

PCB reading

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscope

DAQ

Multimeter

Power Supply

Cadence Allegro

Job description

Job Description:

We are looking for a Silicon Validation Engineer with experience in hardware validation and board bring‑up. The ideal candidate should have hands‑on experience in lab environments, debugging hardware issues, and validating silicon platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform board bring‑up, hardware debugging, and validation activities.
• Execute board testing according to defined test plans.
• Perform electrical measurements on various I/O interfaces such as PCIe, USB, HDMI, I2C, and SPI.
• Use lab equipment including Oscilloscope, DAQ, Multi‑meter, Power Supply, and Logic Analyzer.
• Read and interpret schematics and PCB layout files using Cadence Allegro (*.brd).
• Work with basic Linux commands and execute Python/Bash scripts for validation tasks.
• Assemble and configure x86 motherboards, including SMPS, DRAM, PCIe cards, displays, and peripherals.
• Support Silicon PVT (Process, Voltage, Temperature) characterization and validation activities.
• Document test results and collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to resolve issues.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• experience in silicon validation, board bring‑up, or hardware validation.
• Strong hardware troubleshooting and debugging skills.
• Familiarity with PCIe, USB, HDMI, I2C, and SPI interfaces.
• Experience using Oscilloscope, Logic Analyzer, DAQ, Multi‑meter, and Power Supply.
• Ability to read schematics and PCB layouts using Cadence Allegro.
• Basic Linux knowledge and familiarity with Python/Bash scripting.
• Experience assembling and validating x86 motherboard platforms.
• Knowledge of Silicon PVT characterization.
• Good communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.