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Post Silicon Validation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

PMU Silicon Validation Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

We are a fast-growing and highly diverse group, and you will work as part of a team doing post-silicon bring- up, debug, and validation of analog and power ICs that will drive the next generation of ...

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Post Silicon Validation information

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How much do post silicon validation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for post silicon validation in the United States is $50.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.66 and $61.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Post Silicon Validation vs Silicon Validation Engineer?

AspectPost Silicon ValidationSilicon Validation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentPost-production testing, debugging, and validation on actual silicon chipsPre-silicon testing, simulation, and verification of chip designs
Industry UsagePrimarily after chip fabrication, focusing on real hardwareDuring design phase, before fabrication, focusing on verification
Common Search/ComparisonPost Silicon Validation vs Silicon Validation Engineer

Post Silicon Validation involves testing and validating chips after fabrication to ensure they meet specifications, while Silicon Validation Engineers focus on verifying chip designs before manufacturing. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds but differ in timing, environment, and specific tasks within the chip development lifecycle.

What is Post Silicon Validation?

Post Silicon Validation is the process of testing and verifying a semiconductor chip’s functionality, performance, and reliability after it has been manufactured. This stage is critical because it helps ensure that the hardware operates as intended in real-world conditions, identifying any issues that may not have been detected during pre-silicon simulation or emulation. Engineers use specialized test setups to validate features, diagnose bugs, and work closely with design teams to resolve any defects. Successful post silicon validation helps ensure product quality and reduces the risk of costly recalls or failures after the chip is released to customers.

What does a post-silicon validation engineer do?

A post-silicon validation engineer tests and verifies the functionality and performance of integrated circuits after manufacturing. They develop test plans, analyze test results, and identify issues to ensure the chip meets design specifications, often using specialized tools and debugging techniques. This role is critical for ensuring product reliability before mass production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Post Silicon Validation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Post Silicon Validation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, digital design, and experience with silicon debugging, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with hardware description languages (HDL), lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers), and tools like JTAG, as well as scripting languages such as Python or Perl, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing complex issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensuring that silicon chips meet design specifications and function reliably before mass production.

What is the salary of validation engineer in post silicon?

The salary of a post-silicon validation engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in hardware debugging and verification tools may earn higher compensation.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, hardware, or systems engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology or semiconductor manufacturing. Roles like senior hardware validation engineers or lead engineers in high-tech companies often reach this compensation level through base salary, bonuses, and stock options.

What are some common challenges faced in Post Silicon Validation, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

Post Silicon Validation engineers often encounter challenges such as debugging complex hardware-software interactions, reproducing intermittent failures, and working with limited documentation or pre-silicon models. To address these, candidates should develop strong problem-solving skills, gain hands-on experience with lab equipment, and become proficient in scripting and automation tools. Collaborating closely with design, firmware, and test teams is also essential to efficiently pinpoint issues and implement solutions, making strong communication skills highly valuable.

What jobs will be left by 2030?

Post Silicon Validation roles involve testing semiconductor chips before mass production and are expected to evolve with advancements in AI and automation. While some manual testing jobs may decrease, roles requiring specialized knowledge of hardware design, verification tools, and automation scripting will continue to be in demand, especially as technology becomes more complex. Adaptability and skills in tools like simulation software and hardware debugging will be valuable for future job security.
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Post Silicon Validation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Post Silicon Validation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,945 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Principal Engineer, Silicon Validation

Principal Engineer, Silicon Validation

Ayar Labs

San Jose, CA

$200K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Principal Engineer, Silicon Validation
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.
Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, AMD, MediaTek and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world’s leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.
In this role, you will lead the silicon validation of our optical chiplets. You will define and drive the validation strategy from initial silicon power-on through block and chip level signoff. This is a rare opportunity to apply deep expertise in high-speed SerDes, photonic systems, and post-silicon validation to shape the future of optical interconnect for next-generation AI infrastructure.
Essential Functions:
  • Lead Validation Strategy: Define and implement comprehensive validation methodologies for our electronic-photonic SoCs, covering initial bringup, functional validation, electrical characterization, and system-level testing. Develop detailed test plans, success criteria, and select appropriate test equipment and methodologies.
  • Drive Silicon Bring-up: Lead first silicon power-on and bringup for new tape-outs, collaborating with firmware and design teams to establish operating conditions and validate core functionality from day one.
  • Own Block and System Validation: Execute rigorous post-silicon validation of SerDes interfaces, optical control loops, and mixed-signal blocks using industry-standard lab equipment (BERT, DCA, oscilloscopes, OSA, VNA).
  • Apply Standards and Best Practices: Draw on industry standards (IEEE, OIF, JEDEC, Ethernet/Optical MSA specs) and semiconductor validation best practices to establish rigorous validation targets, coverage objectives, and signoff criteria.
  • Root Cause and Debug: Investigate and drive to closure all silicon failure modes, from signal integrity issues to mixed-signal anomalies, using systematic debug methodologies and close collaboration with design and firmware teams.
  • Mentor and Lead: Provide technical leadership and mentorship to senior and junior validation engineers; guide the team's technical execution.
  • Deliver High Quality Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive validation reports, signoff packages, and product performance documentation.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 10+ years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree with 7+ years of experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership in post-silicon validation for complex SoCs or multi-chip packages, including first silicon bringup and full signoff.
  • Hands-on expertise with high-speed SerDes validation and characterization (NRZ and PAM-4) using equipment such as BERTs, oscilloscopes/DCAs, and network analyzers.
  • Strong proficiency in Python for lab automation, data analysis, and test infrastructure development.
  • Experience developing and owning validation test plans end-to-end.
  • Deep understanding of communication protocols and standards (Ethernet, PCIe, etc.).
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to drive cross-functional technical alignment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MSEE or equivalent
  • Familiarity with optical transceiver standards and co-packaged optics integration challenges.
  • Knowledge of high-speed standards: Ethernet (200G/400G/800G), PCIe Gen5/6, OIF CEI.
  • Experience driving NPI and transition from lab validation to manufacturing test.
Salary Range: $200,000 - $255,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don’t send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.

Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.

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