SoC Functional Validation Engineer

Job Details:

Job Description:

This position requires candidates to upload a resume in English; you are welcome to upload multiple versions of your resume if you prefer but an English version of your resume will be required to be considered for this position.

We are seeking a SoC Functional Validation Engineer to ensure the functional correctness, quality, and robustness of complex System‑on‑Chip (SoC) designs. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive validation strategies to verify that SoC features and use cases meet architectural, functional, and performance requirements prior to product release.

You will work closely with architecture, design, verification, firmware, and software teams to validate end‑to‑end functionality, debug complex silicon issues, and drive continuous improvement in validation methodologies and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and maintain SoC functional validation plans, test strategies, and use‑case coverage across multiple product configurations.
• Perform post‑silicon functional validation to ensure SoC features operate correctly under real‑world workloads and system conditions.
• Validate functionality across multiple subsystems, including CPU, memory, interconnects, power management, and I/O.
• Identify, debug, and root‑cause complex silicon functional issues, working closely with design, verification, and architecture teams to drive resolution.
• Develop and enhance validation infrastructure, including test frameworks, automation, checkers, and coverage models.
• Execute validation across process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) conditions to ensure robustness and reliability.
• Collaborate with firmware, BIOS, and software teams to validate feature enablement and system‑level functionality.
• Analyze validation results, document findings, and provide data‑driven recommendations to improve product quality.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of validation methodologies, tools, and best practices.

• Support pre‑production and production readiness activities, ensuring SoCs meet functional and quality targets.

Behavioral Traits

• Strong Ownership & Accountability
  Takes end‑to‑end responsibility for functional validation outcomes, driving issues to resolution and ensuring SoC features meet quality and readiness targets.
• Analytical & Structured Thinker
  Approaches complex functional issues methodically, using data, coverage, and structured debug techniques to identify root causes.
• Hands‑On Problem Solver
  Comfortable working directly with silicon, platforms, and validation tools to execute tests, reproduce issues, and validate fixes.
• Systems‑Level Mindset
  Understands interactions across SoC subsystems, firmware, BIOS, and software, enabling effective end‑to‑end functional validation.
• Detail‑Oriented with Quality Focus
  Pays close attention to functional requirements, corner cases, and use‑case coverage to prevent escapes and ensure robust products.
• Collaborative & Cross‑Functional Partner
  Works effectively with architecture, design, verification, firmware, and software teams to align on requirements, debug issues, and optimize solutions.
• Clear & Effective Communicator
  Clearly documents validation results, issues, and recommendations, translating complex technical findings into actionable insights.
• Proactive & Risk‑Aware
  Anticipates functional risks early, identifies validation gaps, and proposes mitigation strategies before issues impact schedules or product quality.
• Adaptable & Resilient
  Maintains focus and productivity in fast‑paced environments with evolving designs, priorities, and incomplete information.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
  Actively seeks opportunities to improve validation methodologies, automation, coverage models, and overall validation efficiency.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship (for senior profiles)
  Shares expertise, mentors junior engineers, and helps raise the technical and quality bar across the validation organization.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications are required to be initially considered for this position.  Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates. Requirements listed would be obtained through a combination of industry relevant job experience, internship experiences and or schoolwork/classes/research.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• +4 months of experience in:
  • SoC architecture and digital design fundamentals.
  • Functional validation, post‑silicon validation, or silicon debug.
  • Validation concepts such as use‑case testing, coverage, and failure analysis.
  • Analyze complex system interactions and drive issues to root cause.
  • Scripting or programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++) for validation automation.
• Advance English level.
• Must have unrestricted, permanent right to work in Mexico (this role is not eligible for visa or immigration sponsorship).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience validating high‑performance or low‑power SoCs.
• Knowledge of power management, clocking, reset, and coherency mechanisms.
• Experience with firmware, BIOS, or OS‑level validation.
• Familiarity with debug tools, trace, and performance monitors.
• Experience influencing design or architectural improvements based on validation learnings.
• Exposure to pre‑silicon verification or emulation environments.

          

A candidate who accepts an offer of employment in Mexico is required to present their own personal identification information and numbers for the following: Mexican Security Number (NSS), Tax Identification Number (RFC) and CURP identification number.

Job Type:

College Grad

Shift:

Shift 1 (Mexico)

Primary Location:

Mexico, Guadalajara

Additional Locations:

Business group:

At the Data Center Group (DCG), we're committed to delivering exceptional products and delighting our customers. We offer both broad-market Xeon-based solutions and custom x86-based products, ensuring tailored innovation for diverse needs across general-purpose compute, web services, HPC, and AI-accelerated systems. Our charter encompasses defining business strategy and roadmaps, product management, developing ecosystems and business opportunities, delivering strong financial performance, and reinvigorating x86 leadership. Join us as we transform the data center segment through workload driven leadership products and close collaboration with our partners.

Posting Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Position of Trust

N/A

Work Model for this Role

This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.