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Silicon Validation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Director - Silicon Validation

Austin, TX · On-site

$210 - $260/hr

Position Summary The Director, Silicon Validation Engineering is a senior technical leadership role responsible for defining and executing Ambiq's post-silicon validation strategy across multiple ...

ClinDCast LLC

Silicon Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

We are looking for a Silicon Validation Engineer with experience in hardware validation and board bring-up. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience in lab environments, debugging hardware ...

Tanisha Systems

Post Silicon Validation

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Post Silicon Validation Location: Sunnyvale CA (Onsite) Job Type: Fulltime Validate ML-Coprocessor, display SOC, Mixed Signal SOC, and IP. • Define validation strategy and test plans for new IP ...

MatX

Silicon Validation Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$175K - $450K/yr

Own silicon bring-up and validation from first power-on through feature validation and production readiness. * Develop and execute validation plans for chip-level and SiP-level functionality ...

MatX

Silicon Validation Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$175K - $450K/yr

Own silicon bring-up and validation from first power-on through feature validation and production readiness. * Develop and execute validation plans for chip-level and SiP-level functionality ...

Apple

GPU Silicon Validation Engineer

Austin, TX

The GPU Silicon Validation Team is responsible for validating the functional operation, electrical behavior, power, and performance of Apple's embedded GPUs. Team members are involved in test ...

Apple

GPU Silicon Validation Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The GPU Silicon Validation Team is responsible for validating the functional operation, electrical behavior, power, and performance of Apple's embedded GPUs. Team members are involved in test ...

Apple

GPU Silicon Validation Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The GPU Silicon Validation Team is responsible for validating the functional operation, electrical behavior, power, and performance of Apple's embedded GPUs. Team members are involved in test ...

Apple

GPU Silicon Validation Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The GPU Silicon Validation Team is responsible for validating the functional operation, electrical behavior, power, and performance of Apple's embedded GPUs. Team members are involved in test ...

Apple

GPU Silicon Validation Engineer

Austin, TX

The GPU Silicon Validation Team is responsible for validating the functional operation, electrical behavior, power, and performance of Apple's embedded GPUs. Team members are involved in test ...

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Silicon Validation information

See salary details

$47.5K

$105.4K

$160.5K

How much do silicon validation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for silicon validation in the United States is $105,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSilicon ValidationSilicon Design Engineer
Primary FocusTesting and verifying silicon chips post-fabricationDesigning and developing silicon chips from concept to layout
Skills & CertificationsHardware testing, scripting, verification tools, FPGA experienceVLSI design, CAD tools, digital logic, HDL proficiency
Work EnvironmentLab testing, hardware debugging, collaboration with validation teamsDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with design teams
Industry UsageUsed in semiconductor companies, hardware firms, and validation labsUsed in chip design companies, semiconductor firms, and R&D departments

Silicon Validation focuses on testing and verifying chips after manufacturing, ensuring functionality and performance. Silicon Design Engineers create the chip architecture and layout before fabrication. Both roles require technical skills but differ in their stage of involvement in the chip development process.

What is silicon validation?

Silicon validation is the process of testing and verifying integrated circuits (ICs) or chips after they have been manufactured, to ensure they function as intended in real-world conditions. This involves running a series of tests to check for defects, performance issues, and compliance with design specifications. Silicon validation is a critical step before mass production, as it helps identify and resolve any issues that may have been missed during earlier design and simulation phases. The process typically includes both functional and electrical testing, often using specialized hardware and software tools.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in silicon validation, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in silicon validation often encounter challenges such as debugging complex hardware issues, tight project deadlines, and the need to quickly adapt to evolving specifications. Managing these difficulties typically involves collaborating closely with design, verification, and software teams to isolate and resolve bugs efficiently. Staying organized, maintaining clear documentation, and leveraging automated validation tools can also help streamline workflows and mitigate time pressure. Continuous learning and proactive communication are key to navigating the fast-paced nature of silicon validation projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a silicon validation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Silicon Validation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or computer engineering, with expertise in digital and analog circuit fundamentals. Familiarity with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers), scripting languages (Python, Perl), and validation tools, as well as knowledge of relevant industry standards, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure thorough validation of silicon chips, leading to robust, high-quality products and successful project outcomes.
More about Silicon Validation jobs
What cities are hiring for Silicon Validation jobs? Cities with the most Silicon Validation job openings:
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Silicon Validation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Silicon Validation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 50% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,415 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Director - Silicon Validation

Socket.dev

Austin, TX • On-site

$210 - $260/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Ambiq is on a mission to enable intelligence everywhere — powering the AI edge revolution with the world's lowest-power semiconductor solutions.

Built on our proprietary sub- and near-threshold technology, our chips deliver multi-fold improvements in energy efficiency without costly process scaling. Since 2010, we've shipped over 300 million units to customers building smarter wearables, medical devices, IoT products, and AI-powered edge applications.

Our cross-functional teams span design, research, development, production, marketing, sales, and operations across Austin, Hsinchu, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore. We move fast, tackle hard problems, and create space for people to grow through complex, meaningful work that shapes the future of technology.

We're looking for self-motivated, creative problem-solvers who are eager to push technological limits and make a real impact in energy efficiency.

At Ambiq, we live by five values: Innovate. Collaborate. Focus. Learn. Achieve.

If that's you, join us — the intelligence everywhere revolution starts here.

This role will be on-site 5 days a week in NW Austin.

Position Summary

The Director, Silicon Validation Engineering is a senior technical leadership role responsible for defining and executing Ambiq's post-silicon validation strategy across multiple generations of SoCs and edge AI products.

Reporting directly to the Engineering Fellow, this leader will provide strategic and organizational leadership for silicon validation, characterization, bring-up, debug, and validation methodology across multiple product families. The role serves as a key technical partner to architecture, design, verification, firmware, systems, product engineering, and executive engineering leadership to ensure first-pass silicon success and rapid product commercialization.

In addition to leading day-to-day execution, this individual will establish the long-term vision for Ambiq's validation organization by developing scalable validation methodologies, expanding automation infrastructure, building globally distributed engineering teams, and driving engineering excellence across the company.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead Ambiq's silicon validation organization across multiple SoC and edge AI product families.
  • Define validation strategy, methodologies, automation, and engineering best practices.
  • Drive post-silicon bring-up, validation, characterization, debug, and production test correlation.
  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global validation team across engineering sites.
  • Partner with Architecture, Design, Verification, Firmware, Systems, Product Engineering, and Applications teams to ensure successful product execution.
  • Establish scalable validation infrastructure, automation frameworks, and lab capabilities that improve engineering productivity and product quality.
  • Manage project priorities, staffing, schedules, and technical risk across multiple concurrent development programs.
  • Provide technical leadership for complex silicon debug and customer issue resolution.
  • Influence engineering direction across multiple product families while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications
  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 15+ years of semiconductor engineering experience, including post-silicon validation, characterization, or silicon bring-up.
  • 5+ years leading engineering teams, including hiring, mentoring, and organizational development.
  • Demonstrated success validating complex mixed-signal SoCs and bringing products from first silicon to production.
  • Strong understanding of digital, analog, embedded software, and power management systems.
  • Experience developing validation automation using Python, TCL, C/C++, or similar languages.
  • Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation, silicon debug, and characterization.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive execution across globally distributed engineering organization.
  • Experience with ultra-low-power SoCs, edge AI devices, and ARM core architectures.
  • Experience with advanced power management architectures, low-power design techniques, dynamic voltage/frequency scaling, and power optimization.
  • Experience supporting wireless SoCs including Bluetooth LE, Matter, Thread, Wi-Fi, or similar technologies.
  • Experience developing validation methodologies, workflows, and reusable automation frameworks.
  • Experience with statistical characterization and production data analytics.
  • Experience supporting customer escalations, silicon debug, and RMAs.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and organizational leadership skills.

Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

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