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Silicon Validation/Emulation Design Engineer

Apple· Hardware
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Sunnyvale, CA$184.7k - $324.8kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Role focused on pre-silicon hardware validation of Wireless SoCs with custom accelerators and ARM-based subsystems, using Cadence Palladium emulation platforms for system-level and IP-level debugging, automation, and performance optimization throughout emulation flows and platform bring-up.

Responsibilities

  • Building and maintaining Palladium emulation environments, including compile flows, netlist preparation, memory modeling, and clock/reset configurations
  • System-level debug and root cause analysis of complex hardware issues on the emulation platform
  • IP-level debug and validation, working closely with IP owners to isolate and resolve design issues
  • Development and implementation of automation aids, flows, and scripts to improve Palladium build efficiency, debug turnaround, and platform utilization
  • Performance profiling and optimization of emulation models to maximize execution speed
  • Collaboration with multi-disciplinary groups to make sure emulation deliverables are on schedule and support critical program milestones
  • Own and maintain Palladium emulation build flows for SoC and subsystem-level models
  • Drive debug and triage of emulation model issues, working with RTL designers and verification engineers
  • Support system-level hardware validation efforts and hardware integration
  • Develop reusable debug methodologies and collateral to accelerate issue resolution
  • Optimize emulation model performance through compile tuning, partitioning strategies, and platform configuration
  • Thoroughly document flows, debug procedures, and best practices
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define emulation requirements and support prototype hardware validation

Qualifications

  • BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience
  • Proven experience with Cadence Palladium (or equivalent emulation platforms such as Synopsys ZeBu), including build flows, compile optimization, and platform bring-up
  • Strong debugging skills with experience in system-level and IP-level debug on emulation platforms
  • Experience with emulation compile flows, including synthesis for emulation, memory compilation, clock modeling, and I/O abstraction
  • Proficiency in debug tools and methodologies (waveform analysis, signal probing, assertion-based debug, transactors)
  • Solid understanding of RTL design concepts, SoC architectures, ARM-based subsystems, and standard bus protocols (AXI, AHB, APB)
  • Experience developing and maintaining automation scripts (Python, Tcl, Perl, Shell) to streamline emulation workflows
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to debug complex system-level issues
  • Experience with Wireless SoC applications (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) - strongly preferred
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across functional teams
  • Experience with version control systems (Git, Perforce) and CI/CD integration for emulation flows

Skills

Required:Cadence PalladiumSystem-level debugIP-level debugAutomation scriptingRTL/SoC knowledge

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • retirement benefits
  • range of discounted products and free services
  • reimbursement for certain educational expenses (tuition)
  • discretionary bonuses or commission payments (potential)
  • relocation support
  • Apple Employee Stock Purchase Plan eligibility
Last updated Aug 28, 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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