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- Tasks: Validate and bring up next-gen SoC platforms with cutting-edge ARM technology.
- Company: Join a leading semiconductor innovator in Bristol, UK.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact on groundbreaking technology and collaborate with top engineers.
- Qualifications: Experience in Embedded C and validating high-end ARM-based SoCs required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and excellent career advancement potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol, UK | Onsite initially (approx. 1 month), then Hybrid
Contract Duration: 12 Months (Extension review after 6 months)
Candidate Location: Europe & UK (must be open to travel)
Note: Candidates must hold a valid passport or visa allowing travel to the UK.
About the Role:
We are supporting a leading semiconductor innovator in hiring an experienced SoC Functional Validation Engineer to work on next-generation System-on-Chip platforms. This role focuses on functional validation and bring-up of complex SoCs featuring high-end ARM CPUs and advanced high-speed interfaces, from pre-silicon to post-silicon stages. You will work closely with architecture, RTL, electrical characterization, and firmware teams to ensure first-time-right silicon readiness.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform functional validation and bring-up of next-generation SoC platforms based on high-end ARM processors.
- Execute interface bring-up and validation across LPDDR, PCIe, Ethernet, HBM, CPUs, Coherent Mesh, and low-speed IOs (UART, I2C, I3C, SPI).
- Develop and execute bare-metal C test cases for SoC validation and debug.
- Debug and validate designs using FPGA-based HAPS / Zebu emulation platforms and transition to silicon-based target hardware.
- Design, enhance, and maintain validation test infrastructure and frameworks.
- Analyze failures, root-cause issues across hardware and firmware layers, and drive resolution.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Architects, RTL Verification, Electrical Test & Characterization, and Production Firmware teams.
- Support silicon bring-up milestones, validation reviews, and readiness for production handoff.
- Contribute to documentation, validation plans, and best practices for SoC bring-up and debug.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Strong hands-on experience in Embedded C for low-level validation and debug.
- Proven experience validating high-end ARM-based SoCs.
- Solid understanding of ARM cache-coherent interconnects and CPU subsystems.
- Hands-on validation of high-speed interfaces such as PCIe (up to Gen6), LPDDR5, HBM3, and die-to-die links.
- Experience working on pre-silicon (emulation) and post-silicon (real hardware) platforms.
- Strong debugging skills across hardware, firmware, and system-level issues.
Desirable Skills:
- Python scripting for test automation and validation flows.
- Direct experience with silicon bring-up and early hardware validation.
- Development or debugging of high-speed interface device drivers.
- Experience in complex, multi-die or mesh-based SoC architectures.
Sperton Global: This assignment is managed by Sperton, responsible for sourcing, screening, and candidate evaluation. We manage the hiring process professionally on behalf of our customer.
SoC Functional Validation Engineer employer: Sperton Global AS
Contact Detail:
Sperton Global AS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SoC Functional Validation Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the semiconductor industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of ARM architectures and high-speed interfaces. Practise explaining your past projects and how they relate to the SoC Functional Validation Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you’ve got any side projects or contributions to open-source that relate to embedded C or validation, make sure to highlight them. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re here to help you land that dream job, so make sure you take advantage of all the resources we offer to support your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace SoC Functional Validation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the SoC Functional Validation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with ARM-based SoCs and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don't forget to mention your hands-on experience with validation and debugging.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in Embedded C and high-speed interfaces like PCIe and LPDDR. We love seeing specific examples of how you've used these skills in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, we’re excited to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sperton Global AS
✨Know Your SoC Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of System-on-Chip platforms, especially those featuring high-end ARM CPUs. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with functional validation and the specific interfaces mentioned in the job description.
✨Show Off Your Debugging Skills
Prepare to talk about your debugging experiences across hardware and firmware layers. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've tackled complex issues in previous roles, especially related to high-speed interfaces like PCIe and LPDDR.
✨Get Familiar with the Tools
If you have experience with FPGA-based emulation platforms or any specific tools mentioned in the job description, make sure to highlight this. Being able to discuss your familiarity with these tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Collaboration is Key
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to cross-functional projects.
