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Silicon Validation Software Engineer: CPU and Memory Hierarchy

Apple· Hardware
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Hybrid (Cupertino, CA; Austin, TX; Beaverton, OR)$150.4k - $277.6kFull-timePosted 6mo ago

About the role

Software engineer focused on validating Apple's silicon (CPUs, caches, memory hierarchy) through post-silicon validation, stress testing, and system bring-up. Collaborates with SoC design and product teams to debug and root-cause silicon issues across voltage, frequency, and temperature conditions.

Responsibilities

  • Write functional validation software for CPUs, caches, and memory subsystem of SoCs.
  • Develop targeted stress tests to expose incorrect behavior under varying operating conditions (voltage, frequency, and temperature).
  • Partner with design and architecture teams to correlate silicon behavior with intended microarchitectural design.
  • Catch incorrect silicon behavior and issues before product release.
  • Identify sensitivity to PVT shifts, including incorrect behaviors and intermittent failures.
  • Collect and analyze silicon data (logs, counters, traces) to understand system behavior across operating conditions.
  • Provide actionable feedback to PVT and other teams to refine operating limits.

Qualifications

  • BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field with a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
  • Experience in post-silicon validation, PVT, system bring-up, or silicon debug.
  • Strong understanding of CPU microarchitecture, cache coherency, and memory hierarchy.
  • Knowledge of SoC-level power, clocking, and voltage domains.
  • Experience working with PVT, reliability, or silicon characterization teams.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting (Python) for automation and analysis.
  • Hands-on experience debugging real silicon across voltage, frequency, and temperature corners.
  • Ability to communicate complex silicon issues clearly to cross-functional partners.

Skills

Required:Post-silicon validationCPU microarchitectureSoC power/clock/voltage domainsPVT/silicon characterizationC/C++PythonDebugging silicon across PVT

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • retirement benefits
  • discounted products and free services
  • education reimbursement (tuition)
  • discretionary bonuses or commission payments
  • relocation assistance
  • employee stock programs (RSUs)
Last updated Aug 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

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