Silicon Parametric Extraction & Component Debug Engineer

General Summary:

Qualcomm is seeking an experienced and driven Silicon Characterization Engineer to join its hardware engineering group, contributing to the development and validation of industry-leading SoCs. This role focuses on post-silicon validation and characterization of high-performance silicon components such as PLLs, oscillators, and SoC subsystems, ensuring product reliability, performance, and quality.

You will work in close collaboration with cross-functional teams, leveraging strong expertise in firmware development, semiconductor fundamentals, and lab instrumentation to execute detailed electrical characterization, develop automation flows, and perform root-cause analysis on silicon behavior.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute PnP (Performance and Power) characterization of SoCs, including modules like PLLs and oscillators.
• Develop and validate firmware for multi-core microcontrollers or processors (ARM, RISC-V).
• Use lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power meters, etc.) for detailed measurements and silicon debug.
• Automate test and measurement processes using Python scripting to streamline workflows and improve coverage.
• Analyze silicon performance and compare it against design specs to identify and investigate anomalies.
• Collaborate with silicon design, DFT, validation, and test teams to optimize test coverage and debug support.
• Contribute to characterization reports, silicon bring-up plans, and release documentation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of experience in hardware engineering or silicon validation.
• OR
• Master's degree with 1+ year of relevant experience.
• OR
• PhD in a relevant field.

Required Skills:

• 5–15 years of hands-on experience in silicon characterization or validation.
• Deep knowledge of CMOS device operation, solid-state physics, and submicron FET architectures.
• Strong background in firmware development for embedded platforms (C/C++ for ARM/RISC-V cores).
• Proficient in Python scripting and automation of lab equipment.
• Proven experience with automated characterization flows to maximize lab efficiency.
• Familiarity with semiconductor test and measurement equipment and methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to drive root-cause investigations.
• Self-motivated with excellent initiative and organizational discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in high-volume silicon validation environments.
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing, test methodologies, and yield optimization.
• Understanding of thermal and power analysis in SoC systems.
• Exposure to lab automation frameworks and test data analytics.

Key Traits:

• Strong analytical thinker with a proactive and hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Highly collaborative and communicative, capable of working across interdisciplinary teams.
• Committed to continuous learning and staying updated with semiconductor trends.