Validation Engineer

Tucker Parker Smith Group (TPS Group); Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Tucker Parker Smith Group (TPS Group) is seeking a Systems Engineer III on-site in Milpitas, CA to support system-level debugging and development of internal test platforms. You will diagnose PCIe, Linux kernel, hardware, and software integration issues with cross-functional teams.

The role focuses on root cause analysis, improving platform reliability, and contributing to debug procedures and documentation for production readiness.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of PCIe architecture and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Linux kernel debugging and device drivers.
• Proficient in Python or Bash scripting.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot PCIe issues including link training, enumeration, AER errors.
• Analyze Linux kernel logs, crash dumps, driver issues.
• Perform root cause analysis across hardware, firmware, BIOS, kernel, and apps.
• Use lspci, dmesg, kernel tracing, PCIe analyzers and logic analyzers.
• Support platforms with PCIe switches, NVMe devices, embedded controllers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to reproduce issues and validate fixes.
• Support system bring-up, platform qualification and production readiness.
• Develop debug procedures and technical documentation.

Skills

PCIe architecture

Linux kernel debugging

Device drivers

System diagnostics

Python/Bash scripting

BIOS/UEFI

Hardware bring-up

Platform validation

Root cause analysis

Tools

lspci

dmesg

kernel tracing

PCIe protocol analyzers

logic analyzers

Job description

Location: Milpitas, CA (100% onsite) standard business hours

Duration: 3-Month Contract with Potential to Extend or Convert

Position Overview

We are seeking a Systems Engineer III to support system-level debugging and development of internal test platforms. This role will focus on diagnosing complex PCIe, Linux kernel, hardware, and software integration issues while partnering with hardware, firmware, BIOS, software, and validation teams to identify root causes and improve platform reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot PCIe issues including link training failures, enumeration problems, AER errors, bandwidth limitations, hot-plug events, and device communication failures.
• Analyze Linux kernel logs, crash dumps, kernel panics, driver issues, and system performance problems.
• Perform root cause analysis across hardware, firmware, BIOS, kernel, driver, and application layers.
• Utilize tools such as lspci, dmesg, kernel tracing, PCIe protocol analyzers, and logic analyzers.
• Support platforms utilizing PCIe switches, NVMe devices, custom hardware, and embedded controllers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to reproduce issues, validate fixes, and improve system stability.
• Support system bring-up, platform qualification, and production-readiness activities.
• Develop debug procedures, troubleshooting guides, and technical documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of PCIe architecture, protocols, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Linux kernel debugging, device drivers, and system-level diagnostics.
• Experience analyzing kernel logs, crash dumps, and system traces.
• Strong Linux command-line skills and scripting experience with Python, Bash, or similar.
• Knowledge of BIOS/UEFI, hardware bring-up, and platform validation.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NVMe/SSD systems and PCIe switches.
• Experience with protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other hardware debugging tools.
• Background supporting storage, high-performance computing, or test equipment platforms.
• Understanding of Linux kernel internals and driver development.