SoC Functional Validation Engineer – Core (CRE) Domain

Job Details:

Job Description: 

The Role and Impact As a SoC Functional Validation Engineer within the Core (CRE) Domain, you will be responsible for validating and ensuring the functional correctness, performance, and reliability of CPU core features in Intel's next-generation Client AI PC SoCs. You will execute post-silicon validation, develop and automate test content, perform deep debug activities, and drive issue resolution across core microarchitectural features. Working closely with architecture, design, firmware, and validation teams, you will help ensure Intel processors meet quality and functionality requirements before product release. Your contributions will directly impact Intel's ability to deliver industry-leading CPU technologies that power the next generation of client computing platforms. ________________________________________ Business Group The Functional Validation (FV) team is responsible for validating Intel's cutting-edge Client AI PC SoCs after silicon manufacturing. The Core (CRE) Domain focuses on validating CPU core functionality and ensuring architectural compliance, feature correctness, and robust operation across various usage scenarios. The team drives test development, debug, automation, and validation strategy to ensure high-quality silicon delivery. ________________________________________ Key Responsibilities • Execute post-silicon validation activities focused on CPU core functional features and architectural behaviors. • Develop, maintain, and execute validation test plans and test content covering core features, instructions, power states, and processor functionality. • Analyze validation failures and perform root-cause debug using hardware, firmware, software, and architectural debug tools. • Investigate failures in CPU core execution, exception handling, interrupts, power management interactions, cache coherency, and processor state transitions. • Develop automation solutions and debug utilities using scripting and programming languages to improve validation productivity and coverage. • Collaborate with architecture, design, firmware, BIOS, and software teams to identify, reproduce, and resolve silicon issues. • Utilize debug technologies and validation tools such as traces, telemetry, Laufterbach debuggers, JTAG interfaces, and silicon observability features. • Analyze platform logs, execution traces, and debug data to isolate functional issues and drive corrective actions. • Contribute to validation methodology improvements, test coverage enhancement, and automation initiatives. • Support AI-assisted validation and data-driven debug solutions to improve failure triage and validation efficiency.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field with 0-2 years of relevant experience through internships, academic projects, coursework, or industry experience; OR • Master's degree in a related technical field with limited or no prior professional experience. • Basic understanding of computer architecture, processor architecture, and CPU execution fundamentals. • Knowledge of operating systems concepts including interrupts, memory management, processes, and privilege levels. • Experience with programming or scripting languages such as Python, C/C++, or Shell scripting. • Strong analytical and debugging skills with a passion for investigating complex technical problems. ________________________________________ Preferred Qualifications • Understanding of x86 architecture and processor core microarchitecture concepts. • Familiarity with CPU validation methodologies, architectural validation, or processor debug techniques. • Exposure to cache hierarchy concepts, coherency protocols, interrupts, exception handling, and power management features. • Experience using hardware debug tools such as Lauterbach, JTAG, trace infrastructure, or silicon debug technologies. • Knowledge of firmware, BIOS, operating systems, or low-level software interactions with processor hardware. • Experience developing automated test frameworks or validation tools. • Understanding of machine learning or AI-based approaches for validation, failure analysis, or data analytics. • Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across global engineering teams. ________________________________________ Desired Technical Areas The candidate may gain experience or contribute in areas such as: • CPU Core Functional Validation • x86 Architecture Validation • Instruction Set Validation • Interrupt and Exception Validation • Cache and Coherency Validation • Power Management Validation • Processor State Transition Validation • Core Debug and Failure Analysis • Validation Automation and AI-Assisted Debug • Silicon Bring-up and Feature Enablement

Job Type:

Experienced Hire

Shift:

Shift 1 (Malaysia)

Primary Location: 

Malaysia, Penang

Additional Locations:

Posting Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Position of Trust

N/A

Work Model for this Role

This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.