PCB Hardware Validation Engineer

About the role

Etched builds AI chips tailored to specific model architectures, and is looking for an experienced PCB Hardware Validation Engineer in its fully in-person Cupertino team. The role focuses on validating printed circuit board functionality and ensuring adequate power margins across all interfaces, supporting post-silicon characterization and robust operation across subsystems such as PCIe and I2C.

Key responsibilities

• Verify PCB functions against design specifications, checking power and signal integrity margins
• Collect and analyze lab data on power delivery networks, signal integrity and system robustness
• Support post-silicon validation, including PVT, power and thermal characterization
• Evaluate PCIe performance, including signal integrity, EOM and bit error rate
• Identify critical bugs, drive root cause analysis and work with cross-functional teams
• Run DOE experiments to resolve hardware issues and optimize performance
• Validate power sequencing, microcontroller operation, power efficiency, noise and transient behavior
• Characterize I2C bus systems and maintain a log of hardware issues
• Work closely with design, firmware and system engineering teams

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related field
• Proven experience in hardware validation, lab testing and PCB-level debugging
• Root cause analysis and hands-on hardware debugging
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and excellent communication and teamwork

Required skills

• Power and signal integrity principles and measurement techniques
• Familiarity with PCIe, I2C and other hardware interfaces
• Lab equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power supplies
• Power sequencing and microcontroller systems
• Scripting languages such as Python and MATLAB

What we offer

• Full medical, dental and vision coverage, 100% of premiums, 90% for dependents
• Housing subsidy of $2,000 per month for those living near the office
• Daily lunch and dinner in the office
• Relocation support for those moving to Cupertino