1

Director Emulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Define DV, emulation and post silicon validation scope. Define execution timelines working closely ... Hire, build and retain high performance engineering team. Address continuous training and ...

Define DV, emulation and post silicon validation scope. Define execution timelines working closely ... Hire, build and retain high performance engineering team. Address continuous training and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Director Emulation Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do director emulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for director emulation engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Emulation Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Director Emulation Engineer, you need deep expertise in hardware verification, emulation methodologies, and a solid background in electrical or computer engineering, often with an advanced degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Cadence Palladium, Synopsys ZeBu, or Mentor Veloce, as well as experience with scripting languages and EDA workflows, is essential. Leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication distinguish top performers by enabling them to guide teams and coordinate complex projects. These skills ensure efficient verification cycles, high-quality silicon development, and successful cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced semiconductor environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director Emulation Engineer when leading emulation projects?

A Director Emulation Engineer often navigates challenges such as aligning cross-functional teams, managing resource allocation, and ensuring timely delivery of complex emulation solutions. Balancing the technical intricacies of hardware and software integration while meeting aggressive project timelines is frequently required. Additionally, keeping up with evolving emulation technologies and fostering team expertise are critical to maintaining project success and supporting innovation.

What does a Director Emulation Engineer do?

A Director Emulation Engineer oversees the development and implementation of hardware emulation systems used to test and validate the functionality of semiconductor designs before they are manufactured. This role involves managing a team of engineers, setting technical direction, and ensuring that emulation platforms meet project and company requirements. Responsibilities also include collaborating with design, verification, and software teams to optimize workflows and improve overall productivity. The Director Emulation Engineer plays a critical role in reducing time-to-market and ensuring design quality in the semiconductor industry.

What is the difference between Director Emulation Engineer vs Senior Emulation Engineer?

AspectDirector Emulation EngineerSenior Emulation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, possibly with leadership experienceBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, with extensive emulation experience
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with multiple departmentsPerforms hands-on emulation design, testing, and optimization
Industry UsageUsed in semiconductor, electronics, and chip design companiesCommonly found in semiconductor and hardware development firms

The main difference is that a Director Emulation Engineer oversees teams and projects, focusing on strategic leadership, while a Senior Emulation Engineer primarily handles technical tasks and hands-on emulation work. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the director position emphasizes management and coordination.

More about Director Emulation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Emulation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Director Emulation Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Emulation Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Emulation Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Director Emulation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Emulation Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Emulation Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Emulation Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Director Emulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
RTL Emulation Engineer

$47.25 - $54/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description


WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING 

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.  Together, we advance your career.  



THE ROLE:

As part of the SerDes Technologies Group, you will contribute to developing state-of-the-art designs for AMD’s next-generation products. In this role, you will partner closely with architecture, IP design, physical design, and product engineering teams to ensure first-pass silicon success.

THE PERSON:

A successful candidate is a collaborative problem-solver with strong attention to detail and a drive for continuous learning. You are highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively across diverse teams. Adaptability and proactive thinking are key, enabling you to anticipate challenges and offer solutions. You demonstrate curiosity, accountability, and a strong sense of ownership, thriving in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and maintain emulation platform flows that accurately represent silicon designs
  • Perform coverage analysis and drive strategies for test-cost reduction
  • Provide post-silicon validation support to ensure successful bring-up and improve yield learning
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Strong understanding of Design-for-Test (DFT) methodologies and verification techniques, including IEEE 1500, JTAG 1149.x, Scan, and Memory BIST
  • Hands-on experience with emulation systems, VCS simulation tools, Verilog RTL design, and scripting (Perl/Shell)
  • Familiarity with silicon design environments and debug processes
EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship

#LI-LC3

#LI-HYBRID



Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Qualifications:

Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME