Lead Emulation and Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Emulation and Prototyping Engineer Company: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (AMD) Location: San Jose, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Hardware Engineering / Emulation & Prototyping Date Posted: January 12, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid to Senior Level) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development and implementation of advanced hardware validation platforms for AMD's cutting-edge FPGA and ACAP families.
• Lead pre-silicon and silicon validation efforts, ensuring functional correctness and performance of complex hardware designs.
• Debug intricate hardware and software issues, collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams to achieve timely resolutions.
• Innovate and improve internal processes related to hardware emulation and prototyping, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Manage project timelines and guide junior engineers, ensuring efficient execution of tasks and successful delivery of validation environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Lead" engineer, suggesting significant autonomy, project management responsibilities, and the expectation to mentor or guide other team members. The focus on FPGA and ACAP families indicates a deep dive into advanced semiconductor technology, requiring a strong understanding of hardware design languages and validation methodologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain pre-silicon hardware setups utilizing commercial emulation/prototyping systems and FPGA evaluation boards.
• Collaborate with design, verification, and validation teams to effectively debug issues identified on emulation platforms and final silicon.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance internal processes and introduce innovative solutions in hardware emulation and prototyping.
• Manage multiple validation platform projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project scope and quality standards.
• Guide and mentor team members on technical challenges, best practices, and efficient task execution within the emulation and prototyping domain.
• Develop and execute test plans for hardware validation platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage of target features and functionalities.
• Analyze and interpret timing reports to ensure the stability and performance of FPGA-based validation systems.
• Contribute to the overall system integration and validation strategy for AMD's advanced semiconductor products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on technical development, complex problem-solving, and project leadership. The emphasis on "pre-silicon validation" and "final silicon debugging" underscores the critical role this position plays in the product development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in hardware design, validation, emulation, or prototyping, with a focus on FPGAs or ASICs.

Required Skills:

• Fluency in hardware design languages: Verilog, System Verilog, and/or VHDL.
• Proven experience developing systems or Intellectual Property (IP) for FPGAs, including simulation, synthesis, and validation.
• Strong proficiency in using FPGA synthesis and implementation tools (e.g., Vivado, Quartus) with a solid understanding of the output products at each stage.
• Deep understanding and ability to analyze timing reports for complex designs.
• Working knowledge of the Linux operating system environment.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Perl, Python, Unix shells, and Makefiles for automation and workflow efficiency.
• Broad software development and debugging experience with C/C++.

Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience working with leading emulation/prototyping vendors (Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor) for debugging and capability deployment.
• Experience with Xilinx Ultrascale or Versal FPGAs, and proficiency in Vivado and Vivado Debug tools.
• Knowledge of high-speed interfaces including QSFP, PCIe, USB, SATA, Gigabit Ethernet, DDR4/5, LPDDR4/5, and HBM.
• Familiarity with embedded device interfaces such as SPI, I2C, SD, eMMC, QSPI, and OSPI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list is extensive, covering core hardware design, simulation, validation, and software development competencies. The preferred skills indicate a strong preference for candidates with specific experience in AMD's target technologies and tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful development and deployment of complex FPGA-based validation platforms.
• Showcase case studies of debugging challenging hardware/software issues using emulation or prototyping environments.
• Provide examples of process improvements or innovative solutions implemented in hardware validation workflows.
• Illustrate experience in managing projects, from initiation to successful completion, with clear outcomes and impact.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design for pre-silicon validation environments.
• Documentation of debugging methodologies for hardware/software integration issues.
• Records of process optimization initiatives that led to improved efficiency or reduced time-to-market.
• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams for process alignment and issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Lead" role, a portfolio demonstrating not just technical execution but also project leadership, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Emulation and Prototyping Engineers in San Jose, California, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is $140,000 - $200,000 per year. This estimate considers the high cost of living in the Bay Area, the specialized nature of the role, and AMD's standing as a major semiconductor company.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Access to AMD's "Benefits at a Glance" program for detailed information.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock awards.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid work arrangement may offer some flexibility in scheduling, but requires on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on current market data for similar roles in the San Jose, California area and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by factors including candidate experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Semiconductor Technology, Advanced Computing, AI, Data Centers, Gaming, PCs, Embedded Systems. Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). Founded: 1969, AMD has a long history of innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the System Integration and Validation team, focusing on advanced FPGA and ACAP families.
• This team likely comprises specialized engineers in hardware design, verification, emulation, and validation.
• Reporting structure will be to a manager or director overseeing hardware validation operations.
• Close collaboration with ASIC design, verification, software development, and product engineering teams is essential.

Methodology:

• Employs rigorous hardware validation methodologies using state-of-the-art emulation and prototyping systems.
• Focuses on pre-silicon functional validation to mitigate risks and accelerate time-to-market.
• Utilizes data-driven approaches for debugging and performance analysis.
• Promotes a culture of continuous process improvement and innovation in validation techniques.

Company Website: https://www.amd.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AMD is a global leader in high-performance computing, graphics, and visualization technologies. Its culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and driving the future of technology, particularly in areas like AI and next-generation computing experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Lead" position signifies a senior individual contributor role with project leadership responsibilities. It's a stepping stone towards potential technical leadership, architecture roles, or management positions within hardware engineering.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a management hierarchy within the hardware validation or system integration division. Collaboration is expected across multiple engineering departments.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the quality, performance, and time-to-market of AMD's advanced FPGA and ACAP products. Successful validation and debugging are crucial for delivering competitive and reliable silicon that powers next-generation computing experiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in emulation, prototyping, FPGA design, and specific interface technologies.
• Project Leadership: Take on larger, more complex validation projects, leading teams and driving technical strategy.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain exposure to ASIC design, verification methodologies, and software development for integrated systems.
• Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior engineers and guiding technical problem-solving.
• Career Progression: Potential to move into roles such as Principal Emulation Engineer, Hardware Validation Architect, or Engineering Manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: AMD's commitment to "building great products" and "pushing the limits of innovation" suggests a dynamic environment where growth is tied to technical contributions and problem-solving capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work flexibility with on-site collaboration. Office Location(s): San Jose, California (2100 Logic Drive, 95124), a key hub for AMD's engineering operations.

Workspace Context:

• Access to advanced emulation and prototyping hardware platforms and sophisticated lab environments.
• Collaborative office spaces designed to foster teamwork and knowledge sharing among engineers.
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge semiconductor technology and development tools.
• A dynamic environment common in the fast-paced semiconductor industry.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week with hybrid flexibility. Given the critical nature of pre-silicon and silicon validation, there may be periods requiring focused effort and extended hours to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in San Jose indicates a need for engineers to be present for critical lab work, team meetings, and collaborative sessions, while also benefiting from remote work flexibility for individual tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest.
• Technical Phone Screen: Discussion with an engineering lead or senior engineer focusing on core hardware design, emulation, and debugging skills.
• On-site/Virtual Interviews: Multiple sessions with various team members, including:
  • Technical Deep Dive: In-depth questions on Verilog/System Verilog, FPGA design flows, emulation tools, debugging methodologies, and specific interface technologies.
  • Problem-Solving/Case Study: A hypothetical scenario or a past project challenge to assess analytical skills, troubleshooting approach, and decision-making under pressure.
  • Project/Portfolio Review: Presentation of relevant projects from your portfolio, focusing on your role, technical contributions, challenges overcome, and outcomes achieved.
  • Behavioral & Leadership Assessment: Questions to gauge teamwork, communication, leadership potential, and cultural fit with AMD's values.
• Final Interview: May involve a senior engineering leader or hiring manager.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that demonstrate expertise in FPGA development, emulation, or complex debugging.
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:
  • The Problem: What was the challenge or objective?
  • Your Role & Contributions: What specifically did you do?
  • The Solution/Methodology: How did you approach it (tools, languages, processes)?
  • The Results/Impact: What were the outcomes? Quantify where possible (e.g., reduced debug time by X%, enabled Y features, validated Z functionality).
• Highlight Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the intricacies of your designs, the trade-offs you made, and the technical decisions you took.
• Emphasize Debugging Skills: Showcase your systematic approach to identifying and resolving hardware and software issues.
• Demonstrate Leadership: If applicable, describe how you managed tasks, guided others, or improved processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Core Concepts: Refresh your knowledge of Verilog/System Verilog, digital logic design, FPGA architecture, timing analysis, and common interface protocols.
• Practice Debugging Scenarios: Think through common debugging challenges in emulation and FPGA environments.
• Prepare to Discuss Tools: Be ready to talk about your experience with specific emulation/prototyping tools (Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor) and FPGA toolchains (Xilinx Vivado).
• Formulate Strategy Answers: Practice articulating how you would approach complex problems, manage projects, and collaborate with teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific interview steps suggests AMD values demonstrated experience and a structured approach to problem-solving and project execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Hardware Description Languages (HDLs): Verilog, System Verilog, VHDL.
• FPGA Design Suites: Xilinx Vivado (Ultrascale, Versal), potentially others like Intel Quartus.
• Emulation/Prototyping Platforms: Synopsys (e.g., ZeBu, HAPS), Cadence (e.g., Palladium, Protium), Mentor Graphics (e.g., Veloce).
• Simulation Tools: Modelsim, QuestaSim, VCS, NC-Sim.
• Debug Tools: Vivado Debug, internal debug interfaces, logic analyzers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Timing Analysis Tools: Integrated within FPGA suites (e.g., Vivado Timing Analyzer).
• Performance Analysis Tools: For emulation and FPGA throughput.
• Scripting for Data Analysis: Python, Perl, Shell scripts for log parsing and report generation.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control Systems: Git, Perforce.
• Project Management Tools: JIRA, Confluence (common in engineering environments).
• Automation Scripts: For build flows, test execution, and environment setup.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard HDLs and FPGA toolchains is essential. Experience with specific commercial emulation/prototyping vendors is a significant plus, indicating a need for candidates to be familiar with the tools AMD likely uses.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Driving advancements in computing through bold ideas and pushing technological boundaries.
• Excellence: Striving for execution excellence in all aspects of product development and validation.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams, sharing knowledge, and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Directness & Humility: Communicating openly and honestly while maintaining a humble and respectful approach.
• Inclusivity: Fostering an environment where diverse backgrounds and viewpoints are welcomed and leveraged.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close partnership with design, verification, validation, and software engineering teams.
• Emphasis on open communication channels to quickly resolve complex hardware/software integration issues.
• Cross-functional knowledge sharing is encouraged to build robust validation platforms.
• Team members are expected to contribute to process improvements and mentor others.

📝 Enhancement Note: AMD's stated values of innovation, excellence, and collaboration are central to its operational philosophy and are likely reflected in the day-to-day work of the engineering teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Designs: Working with state-of-the-art, highly complex FPGA/ACAP designs presents significant debugging and validation challenges.
• Pre-Silicon vs. Silicon Debug: Bridging the gap between emulation/prototyping and actual silicon behavior requires meticulous analysis and cross-validation.
• Rapid Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in semiconductor technology, emulation techniques, and FPGA capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Dependencies: Managing dependencies and communication across multiple engineering disciplines to ensure seamless integration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced FPGA Technologies: Gaining deep expertise in AMD's latest FPGA and ACAP architectures (Ultrascale+, Versal).
• Emulation/Prototyping Mastery: Becoming an expert in leveraging advanced commercial emulation and prototyping platforms for complex validation.
• High-Speed Interface Protocols: Expanding knowledge of cutting-edge interfaces like PCIe, HBM, and advanced DDR memory.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and influence technical direction.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend and present at leading hardware engineering conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for technical growth in a cutting-edge field, balanced by the inherent challenges of working with pioneering technology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex hardware/software integration issue you debugged using an emulation or FPGA platform. What was your systematic approach?"
• "How would you set up a pre-silicon validation environment for a new, complex IP block? What tools and methodologies would you employ?"
• "Walk me through a project where you improved an internal process related to hardware validation or emulation. What was the impact?"
• "How do you manage competing priorities when working on multiple critical projects simultaneously?"
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or overcome a technical disagreement within a cross-functional team."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working at AMD, specifically in this emulation and prototyping role?"
• "How do your personal work values align with AMD's stated values of innovation, excellence, and collaboration?"
• "How do you stay current with the latest trends and technologies in the semiconductor and FPGA industry?"
• "What are your expectations for a hybrid work environment, and how do you ensure productivity and collaboration?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business value and technical achievements of your projects.
• Detail Your Role: Be specific about your contributions and responsibilities. Avoid vague statements.
• Explain Your Process: Walk through your methodologies, tools used, and decision-making processes.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your projects.
• Quantify Results: Use metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., reduced debug time, increased test coverage, enabled new features).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only possesses strong technical skills but also demonstrates problem-solving acumen, leadership potential, and a cultural fit with AMD's innovative and collaborative environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Emulation and Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the AMD Careers portal via the provided URL.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Verilog/System Verilog, FPGA development (especially Xilinx), emulation/prototyping tools (Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor), Linux, scripting (Python, Perl), and C/C++. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that showcase your expertise in hardware validation, emulation, debugging, and project leadership. Be ready to present them in detail, focusing on your role, methodology, and outcomes.
• Research AMD: Familiarize yourself with AMD's current product lines (FPGAs, ACAPs), its market position, and its company culture.
• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers to technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, technical depth, and collaborative approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on the provided job data and company information. All details, especially regarding salary and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with AMD during the application and interview stages.