Description
WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING
At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you'll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world's most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.
THE ROLE - x86 CPU Post-Silicon Verification Lead
Experience
12–15+ years in x86 CPU or high-performance processor post-silicon validation
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced x86 CPU Post-Silicon Verification Lead to drive validation, debug, and release readiness of complex, high-performance x86 CPU designs. This role owns post-silicon verification strategy from first silicon bring-up through production, stress testing, testplan/execution strategy ensuring functional correctness, performance, power, reliability, and security compliance of x86 processors. The ideal candidate has deep hands-on experience debugging complex x86 silicon and leading cross-functional teams through silicon milestones.
Key Responsibilities
Post-Silicon Leadership & Strategy
- Define and own the post-silicon validation strategy for x86 CPU cores and platforms
- Lead post-silicon execution across A0 bring-up, power-on, boot, and production readiness
- Drive schedules, priorities, and risk mitigation across multiple silicon revisions
- Mentor and technically lead a team of post-silicon validation debug engineers
x86 CPU Validation & Debug
- Validate x86 micro-architecture, including:
- Out-of-order execution pipelines
- Front-end (fetch, decode, branch prediction)
- Back-end (scheduler, execution units, retirement)
- Cache hierarchy (L1/L2/L3), coherency protocols
- MMU, paging, TLBs, segmentation
- Validate x86 ISA compliance, including legacy, SIMD, and virtualization features
- Debug complex silicon issues using JTAG, trace, logic analyzers, scandump, and silicon observability features
- Perform deep root-cause analysis across RTL, micro-architecture, firmware, BIOS, and OS layers
Firmware, BIOS & OS Bring-Up
- Work closely with BIOS/UEFI, microcode, and firmware teams during early silicon bring-up
- Support OS boot and stability (Linux, Windows, hypervisors)
- Validate virtualization (VMX/SVM), privilege levels, and system software interactions
Test Development & Automation
- Develop and review post-silicon tests in C/C++, x86 assembly, Python, and firmware environments and enhance based on design requirements to stress critical hotspots
- Leverage pre-silicon assets (simulation, emulation, FPGA) for post-silicon readiness
- Drive stress, corner-case, performance, power, and long-run reliability testing
- Build and maintain automated test and failure triage infrastructure
Performance, Power & Security Validation
- Validate performance targets and analyze performance bottlenecks on silicon
- Execute power, thermal, and P-state/C-state validation
- Validate x86 security features (SMEP/SMAP, virtualization security, micro-architectural protections)
- Support investigation and mitigation of silicon errata and security vulnerabilities
Release Readiness & Quality
- Define post-silicon sign-off criteria, coverage metrics, and quality gates
- Track and manage silicon errata, workarounds, and fixes
- Provide structured silicon feedback into future x86 CPU designs
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 12+ years of experience in x86 CPU post-silicon validation or silicon debug
- Deep understanding of x86 micro-architecture and ISA
- Strong hands-on experience with silicon bring-up and low-level debug
- Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and x86 assembly
- Experience with JTAG, trace, scan chains, and silicon debug tools
- Proven technical leadership and cross-team collaboration skills
Why Join Us
- Lead post-silicon validation of next-generation x86 CPUs
- High visibility role influencing CPU quality and architecture
- Work with world-class CPU architects and silicon teams
- Opportunity to shape future x86 processor design
#LI-BM2
Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
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