Principal Post-Silicon Validation Lead

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Silicon Validation Engineer to join our Cryo-Controller team and lead validation activities for our Quantum SoC (QSoC) controller and integrated quantum solutions. This role spans post-silicon validation, FPGA-based pre-silicon verification, lab management, and post-silicon debug, including validation at both room and cryogenic temperatures. Within the scope of this role, you will have a significant influence on the strategic direction of validation across multiple global sites and mentor a multidisciplinary team working on next-generation quantum hardware.

Key Responsibilities

1. Core Post-Silicon Validation & Debug

• Lead post-silicon validation and debug of QSoCs, including digital systems with embedded ARM cores, precision analog/mixed-signal blocks, and RF circuits for qubit control and measurement. This extends to device characterisation across multiple samples at both room and cryogenic temperatures.
• Collaborate with design, verification, architecture, firmware, and quantum engineering teams to rapidly isolate, root-cause, and resolve cryo-controller level issues.
• Develop and maintain automation and scripting frameworks (Python, C, Bash, or similar) to enable repeatable, accelerated, remote instrumentation control, scalable device debug, data capture, and regression testing.

2. Infrastructure, Lab Operations, & Prototyping

• Own the lab environment and validation infrastructure, including setup, calibration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of RF, analog, and digital test systems.
• Define and implement efficient validation workflows, ensuring high-quality, repeatable device characterisation at room and cryogenic temperatures.
• Design PCB sample boards with third-party assembly partners to support rapid silicon bring-up and prototyping.

3. Technical Leadership & Strategy

• Provide technical direction for engineers and the quantum measurement team, and shape quantum validation strategies, methodologies, and best practices across global sites.
• Play a significant role during the architecture and design of next-generation QSoC devices, packaging, and quantum measurement collateral needs.

Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of semiconductor device physics, including transistor operation, analog/mixed-signal behaviour, noise, parasitics, process variation, and their impact on system-level performance.
• Hands-on expertise with digital, analog, and RF debug techniques, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, SMUs, and high-speed digitizers.
• Demonstrated ability in automation and scripting for repeatable, accelerated validation and debug workflows (Python, C, Bash, or similar).
• Familiarity with PCB and packaging tools such as Altium or Cadence Allegro, and an understanding of board-level signal integrity, routing, and component placement considerations.
• More than 7 years experience in post-silicon validation roles, with a proven track record of leading technical programs or teams.
• Proven track record of working across multi-site technical programs, with excellent collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Experience validating devices at cryogenic temperatures, including qubit control/readout, RF chains, and coherent measurement methodologies (preferred).
• Experience in quantum hardware or qubit control systems is highly desirable

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Shenaaz Ahmed