Platform Validation Engineer

Job Description About EtchedAll candidates should make sure to read the following job description and information carefully before applying.Etched is building the world’s first AI inference system purpose-built for transformers - delivering over 10x higher performance and dramatically lower cost and latency than a B200. With Etched ASICs, you can build products that would be impossible with GPUs, like real-time video generation models and extremely deep & parallel chain-of-thought reasoning agents. Backed by hundreds of millions from top-tier investors and staffed by leading engineers, Etched is redefining the infrastructure layer for the fastest growing industry in history.Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and motivated Platform Validation Engineer to validate system hardware and printed circuit board (PCB) functionality and ensure robust power and signal margins across all interfaces. In this role, you will collect and analyze lab data to validate hardware performance, support post-silicon characterization, and ensure reliable operation across multiple subsystems, including PCIe and I2C.Key ResponsibilitiesPerform system hardware and PCB functional verification to ensure all features meet design specifications, including validation of power and signal integrity marginsCollect and analyze lab data to verify power delivery, signal integrity, and overall system robustnessSupport post-silicon validation by identifying key performance metrics and conducting PVT, power, and thermal characterizationEvaluate PCIe performance, including signal integrity, eye opening measurements (EOM), and bit error rate (BER), to ensure adequate operating marginsIdentify hardware issues, perform root cause analysis, and drive issues to resolution in collaboration with cross-functional teamsDesign and execute DOE experiments to debug hardware issues and optimize system performanceValidate power sequencing, microcontroller functionality, and conduct power efficiency, noise, and transient analysisPerform detailed characterization of I2C bus systems to ensure compliance with design requirementsTrack and document PCB issues and validation results, ensuring clear communication with relevant stakeholdersCollaborate closely with design, firmware, and system engineering teams to ensure end-to-end hardware qualityYou may be a good fit if you haveA Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related fieldProven experience with hardware validation, lab testing, and PCB-level debuggingStrong understanding of power integrity and signal integrity principles and measurement techniquesFamiliarity with PCIe, I2C, and other common hardware interfaces and protocolsExperience using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and power suppliesHands-on experience debugging hardware issues and performing root cause analysisKnowledge of power sequencing and microcontroller-based systemsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with scripting languages such as Python or MatlabExcellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teamsBenefitsMedical, dental, and vision packages with generous premium coverage$500 per month credit for waiving medical benefitsHousing subsidy of $2k per month for those living within walking distance of the officeRelocation support for those moving to San Jose (Santana Row)Various wellness benefits covering fitness, mental health, and moreDaily lunch and dinner in our officeHow we’re differentEtched believes in the Bitter Lesson. We think most of the progress in the AI field has come from using more FLOPs to train and run models, and the best way to get more FLOPs is to build model-specific hardware. Larger and larger training runs encourage companies to consolidate around fewer model architectures, which creates a market for single-model ASICs.We are a fully in-person team in San Jose and Taipei, and greatly value engineering skills. xaygatp We do not have boundaries between engineering and research, and we expect all of our technical staff to contribute to both as needed.Compensation Range: $150K - $275K