SoC Functional Validation Engineer
Validate next-gen ARM-based SoCs, drive silicon bring-up, and work hands-on with cutting-edge high-speed interfaces in a global semiconductor program.
Location: Bristol, UK | Onsite initially (approx. 1 month), then Hybrid
Contract Duration: 12 Months (Extension review after 6 months)
Candidate Location: Europe & UK (must be open to travel)
Note: Candidates must hold a valid passport or visa allowing travel to the UK.
About the Role:
We are supporting a leading semiconductor innovator in hiring an experienced SoC Functional Validation Engineer to work on next-generation System-on-Chip platforms. This role focuses on functional validation and bring-up of complex SoCs featuring high-end ARM CPUs and advanced high-speed interfaces, from pre-silicon to post-silicon stages.
You will work closely with architecture, RTL, electrical characterization, and firmware teams to ensure first-time-right silicon readiness.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform functional validation and bring-up of next-generation SoC platforms based on high-end ARM processors.
Execute interface bring-up and validation across LPDDR, PCIe, Ethernet, HBM, CPUs, Coherent Mesh, and low-speed IOs (UART, I2C, I3C, SPI).
Develop and execute bare-metal C test cases for SoC validation and debug.
Debug and validate designs using FPGA-based HAPS / Zebu emulation platforms and transition to silicon-based target hardware.
Design, enhance, and maintain validation test infrastructure and frameworks.
Analyze failures, root-cause issues across hardware and firmware layers, and drive resolution.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Architects, RTL Verification, Electrical Test & Characterization, and Production Firmware teams.
Support silicon bring-up milestones, validation reviews, and readiness for production handoff.
Contribute to documentation, validation plans, and best practices for SoC bring-up and debug.
Essential Skills & Experience:
Strong hands-on experience in Embedded C for low-level validation and debug.
Proven experience validating high-end ARM-based SoCs.
Solid understanding of ARM cache-coherent interconnects and CPU subsystems.
Hands-on validation of high-speed interfaces such as PCIe (up to Gen6), LPDDR5, HBM3, and die-to-die links.
Experience working on pre-silicon (emulation) and post-silicon (real hardware) platforms.
Strong debugging skills across hardware, firmware, and system-level issues.
Desirable Skills:
Python scripting for test automation and validation flows.
Direct experience with silicon bring-up and early hardware validation.
Development or debugging of high-speed interface device drivers.
Experience in complex, multi-die or mesh-based SoC architectures.
Sperton Global:
This assignment is managed by Sperton, responsible for sourcing, screening, and candidate evaluation. We manage the hiring process professionally on behalf of our customer.
- Locations
- United Kingdom
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Employment type
- Contract
- Job location
- Bristol, UK
Workplace & Culture at Sperton
At Sperton, we believe that great results come from great people.
Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared passion for delivering quality in everything we do.
We are a Norwegian-owned international company with colleagues across Europe, Asia, and the USA, working together seamlessly across time zones and cultures. Our teams are diverse, yet united by the same goal — to connect people and companies in meaningful ways.
We value openness, initiative, and continuous learning. Everyone at Sperton is encouraged to take ownership, share ideas, and challenge existing ways of working to make our solutions even better.
Even though we operate globally, our approach is personal. We take pride in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel heard, respected, and motivated to grow — both professionally and personally.
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