PCB Hardware Validation Engineer

About Etched

Etched is building AI chips that are hard-coded for individual model architectures. Our first product (Sohu) only supports transformers, but has an order of magnitude more throughput and lower 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 chain-of-thought reasoning.

PCB Hardware Validation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced and motivated PCB Hardware Validation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will focus on validating the functionality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and ensuring adequate power margins across all interfaces. You will play a critical role in collecting and analyzing data in the lab to validate hardware performance, support post-silicon characterization, and ensure robust operation across multiple subsystems, including PCIe and I2C.

Representative Projects: 

• Perform PCB function verification to ensure all functions meet design specifications, validating critical parameters such as power and signal integrity margins
• Collect and analyze lab data to verify margins for power delivery networks, signal integrity, and overall system robustness
• Collaborate on post-silicon validation efforts, identifying key performance metrics, and conducting PVT, power, and thermal characterization to ensure alignment with design targets
• Evaluate PCI-E performance and ensure adequate margins for reliable operation, including signal integrity (SI), EOM, and bit error rate (BER)
• Identify critical bugs and drive root cause analysis to resolution, collaborating with cross-functional teams as needed
• Design and execute DOE experiments to resolve hardware issues and optimize system performance
• Validate power sequencing, ensure critical microcontroller functions are operating correctly, and conduct power efficiency, noise, and transient analysis
• Perform in-depth characterization of I2C bus systems to ensure compliance with design specifications
• Maintain and track critical hardware PCB issues, document findings, and ensure effective communication with relevant stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with design, firmware, and system engineering teams to ensure end-to-end hardware quality

You maybe a good fit if you have

• 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
• Strong understanding of power and signal integrity principles, including measurement and analysis techniques
• Familiarity with PCI-E, I2C, and other relevant hardware interfaces and protocols
• Experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and power supplies