Senior Validation Engineer

We are hiring a Senior Validation Engineer to join our Semiconductor client R&D Engineering team in Newport Beach.

This role focuses on validating and verifying high-speed (GHz) optical and electrical ICs used in data center optical communication and signal transport systems. Products are tested at block, chip, and system level using advanced bench-top lab equipment before production release.
The ideal candidate will be a hands-on bench validation expert with strong experience in high-speed signal integrity, optical/electrical testing, and hardware debug environments.

Key Responsibilities:
Validate high-speed optical & electrical interfaces including Optical lanes, SerDes, PCIe, and Ethernet
Perform NRZ / PAMx BER testing, eye diagram analysis, link margining, stress testing, and compliance validation
Hands-on validation of TIAs, Drivers, Equalizers, and optical data center modules
Perform CTLE-based signal correction analysis, signal integrity tuning, and distortion mitigation
Execute bandwidth, gain, noise, linearity, stability, jitter, and sensitivity testing
Correlate lab measurements with simulation and design models
Own validation across DVT, PVT, and full system debug cycles
Work across hardware–firmware–device under test (DUT) debugging environments
Develop and maintain automated validation frameworks using Python, MATLAB, or C#
Drive test automation, data capture, analysis, and reporting
Perform root cause analysis (RCA) across analog, digital, firmware, and system layers
Use advanced lab equipment including:
High-bandwidth oscilloscopes
BER testers
Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)
Optical test equipment

Required Experience:
Strong background in high-speed validation (GHz domain)
Hands-on experience with NRZ / PAMx, BER, Ethernet, TIA, CTLE-based systems
Proven bench validation experience (not simulation-only roles)
Ability to debug complex hardware + firmware + system issues
Experience validating against specifications, datasheets, and compliance requirements
Strong scripting skills in Python / MATLAB / C#
Experience in automation and validation framework development

Preferred Profile:
Experience in optical communication systems or high-speed SerDes environments
Strong exposure to system-level validation and lab-based engineering
Ability to define validation strategy, coverage plans, and risk analysis
Experience mentoring engineers and driving technical decisions
Strong documentation and communication skills for cross-functional teams

Education:
BS + 12 years OR MS + 10 years in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields

This role offers a competitive salary plus benefits, bonus, and equity.
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