Etched · 2 weeks ago
Post-Silicon Validation Engineer
San Jose, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$160K/yr - $260K/yr
7+ years expEtched is building the world’s first AI inference system purpose-built for transformers, delivering exceptional performance and low latency. They are seeking a highly skilled Post-Silicon Validation Engineer responsible for validating and characterizing ASICs, ensuring the functional correctness and reliability of their AI/ML accelerator hardware.
AI InfrastructureArtificial Intelligence (AI)ComputerHardwareSemiconductor
Responsibilities
Drive early bring-up of first silicon, including boot, initialization, and debug of ASICs
Perform deep-dive debug of silicon issues across RTL, firmware, and system levels
Collaborate closely with design, verification, and board teams to root-cause and resolve functional and electrical issues
Validate and characterize custom IP blocks and accelerator components
Execute functional and performance validation of compute units and specialized processing elements
Conduct IP-level and full-chip stress testing and corner case analysis to ensure robust operation
Develop and extend post-silicon validation infrastructure, automation, and test suites
Implement efficient result capture, analysis, and regression frameworks
Utilize lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, analyzers, BERTs, pattern generators) for detailed signal and system characterization
Define validation strategies and coverage metrics across design blocks and subsystems
Partner with RTL, DFT, ATE, firmware, and system architecture teams to ensure smooth transition from pre-silicon verification to post-silicon validation
Provide critical feedback on test escapes, yield issues, and silicon errata, influencing silicon revisions and firmware/driver workarounds
Qualification
Required
7+ years of experience in post-silicon validation, bring-up, and debug of ASICs (preferably including AI/ML accelerators)
Proven expertise in early silicon bring-up, debug, and validation
Deep knowledge of peripheral interfaces and board-level debug
Proficiency in C, Python, and scripting for validation automation
Hands-on expertise with oscilloscopes, logic/protocol analyzers, and other validation lab tools
Familiarity with firmware, bootloaders, and low-level silicon debug environments
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and collaboration skills across hardware and software teams
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred)
Preferred
Low-speed peripheral interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, JTAG)
High-speed protocols (PCIe, Ethernet)
Memory subsystems (HBM, DDR)
Performance and thermal characterization
AI/ML model profiling and workload correlation
System-level validation of accelerators or server platforms
Benefits
Full medical, dental, and vision packages, with generous premium coverage
Housing subsidy of $2,000/month for those living within walking distance of the office
Daily lunch and dinner in our office
Relocation support for those moving to San Jose (Santana Row)
Company
Etched
Building the hardware for superintelligence
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Etched has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (11)
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$125.36MKey Investors
Primary Venture Partners
2024-06-25Series A· $120M
2023-05-16Seed· $5.36M
Leadership Team
Chris Zhu
Co-Founder
Robert Wachen
Co-Founder and President
Recent News
Soma Capital
2026-01-07
Google Patent
2025-04-02
Google Patent
2024-12-04
Company data provided by crunchbase