Silicon Validation Software Engineer: CPU and Memory Hierarchy

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation

Stock programs

Comprehensive medical and dental cover

Job summary

Apple Inc. Cupertino, CA is seeking a Silicon Validation Software Engineer to validate CPUs, caches, and memory hierarchies on post-silicon platforms.

You will write functional validation software for a system validation tool used across Apple's silicon engineering teams. You will develop targeted stress tests, analyze silicon data, and work with SoC design and product teams to root out bugs across voltage, frequency, and temperature.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in post-silicon validation, PVT, system bring-up, or silicon debug.

Responsibilities

• Validate CPU cores, caches, and memory hierarchy behavior on post-silicon platforms.
• Develop targeted stress tests to expose incorrect behavior under varying conditions (voltage, frequency, temperature).
• Collaborate with design and architecture teams to correlate silicon behavior with microarchitectural design.
• Identify sensitivity to PVT shifts and intermittent failures; collect and analyze silicon data to understand system behavior.
• Provide actionable feedback to PVT and other teams to refine operating limits.

Skills

C/C++

Post-silicon validation

CPU microarchitecture

Cache coherency

Memory hierarchy

Python scripting

Education

BS in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Silicon Validation Software Engineer: CPU and Memory Hierarchy

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Would you like to work on SW that runs on every Apple phone, pad, and Mac computer in the world? Join our team of experienced SW engineers and debuggers in validating Apple's world class silicon. In this highly visible role you will be writing functional validation SW for the CPUs, caches, and memory subsystem of our SoCs, with the aim of identifying logic design and circuit bugs. You will be a SW developer for a system validation tool used widely across Apple's Silicon Engineering group, and will collaborate with SoC design and product engineering teams to debug and drive silicon issues to root cause.

Description

Validate CPU cores, cache coherency, and memory hierarchy behavior on post-silicon platforms. Develop targeted stress tests to expose incorrect behavior under varying operating conditions (voltage, frequency, and temperature). Partner with design and architecture teams to correlate silicon behavior with intended micro architectural design. Catch incorrect silicon behavior and issues before product release. Identify sensitivity to PVT shifts, including incorrect behaviors and intermittent failures. Collect and analyze silicon data (logs, counters, traces) to understand system behavior across operating conditions. Provide actionable feedback to PVT and other teams to refine operating limits.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field with a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
• Experience in post-silicon validation, PVT, system bring-up, or silicon debug.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of CPU microarchitecture, cache coherency, and memory hierarchy.
• Knowledge of SoC-level power, clocking, and voltage domains.
• Experience working with PVT, reliability, or silicon characterization teams.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting (Python) for automation and analysis.
• Hands-on experience debugging real silicon across voltage, frequency, and temperature corners.
• Ability to communicate complex silicon issues clearly to cross-functional partners.

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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.