AI Insights
NVIDIA

CPU Verification Engineer

NVIDIA · Santa Clara, California, US
full-timemid (2-6 yrs)Posted 31d ago
Hardware/Silicon EngineeringIC2ICHybrid (3d)Visa Sponsored
StackSystemVerilogVerilogUVMARMFPGACPU architectureSilicon verificationDebuggingISA stimulus developmentFull-chip testbench developmentCoverage-driven verification

Summary

NVIDIA is seeking an experienced CPU Verification Engineer to join their CPU verification team, working on next-generation CPUs powering AI and HPC workloads (Grace CPU). The role spans from stimulus development at the SW simulator level through FPGA and silicon validation, with a focus on UVM-based testbench development and full-stack verification.

About the role

We are currently seeking an experienced Verification Engineer with strong CPU and verification fundamentals to work in Nvidia’s CPU verification team. NVIDIA builds CPUs that powering up the next generation AI and HPC workloads: https://www.nvidia.com/en-in/data-center/grace-cpu/.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Work on NVIDIA's next generation CPU.

  • Verify micro-architecture/architecture features at unit level or subsystem or full chip testbenches including FPGA/Silicon.

  • Partner along with CPU architects in creating verifiable designs.

  • Work on ISA based Stimulus development and verify feature.

What we need to see:

  • Experience with full stack development - from writing stimulus and verifying sequences at SW simulator level, to getting the overall end-to-end sequence working on silicon with a full SW stack.

  • Strong verification fundamentals and able to juggle working on full chip testbenches and on FPGA/Silicon.

  • Proficient in CPU architecture (ARM knowledge is desirable), Verilog, SystemVerilog and possess strong debugging skills.

  • Strong understanding of UVM based Testbench development.

  • Bachelors/Masters or equivalent experience in Computer Science or electrical engineering from a reputed engineering college and 2+ years of industry experience.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience on CPU unit/microarchitecture verification.

  • Worked on complex coverage driven verification projects.

  • Experience of collaborating with geographically diverse cross-functional teams.

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most brilliant and talented people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our elite engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

#LI-Hybrid

What you'll do

1Work on NVIDIA's next generation CPU architecture and verification
2Verify micro-architecture/architecture features at unit level, subsystem level, or full chip testbenches including FPGA and Silicon
3Partner with CPU architects in creating verifiable designs
4Develop ISA-based stimulus and verify features end-to-end from SW simulator to silicon with full SW stack

Requirements

2+ years of industry experience with full-stack CPU verification from SW simulator to silicon
Proficiency in Verilog, SystemVerilog, and UVM-based testbench development
Strong CPU architecture fundamentals with ARM knowledge preferred
Ability to work across unit-level, subsystem, and full-chip testbenches including FPGA and silicon
BS/MS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering from a reputable institution

Nice to have

ARM CPU architecture knowledge
Coverage-driven verification
CPU unit/microarchitecture verification
Cross-functional team collaboration (geographically distributed)
SW stack integration on silicon

Role overview

Role family
Hardware/Silicon Engineering
Level
IC2 — embedded
Experience
2–6 years
Type
Individual Contributor
Remote policy
Hybrid (3 days)
Visa sponsorship
Available

Tech stack analysis

LANGUAGES
SystemVerilogVerilog
FRAMEWORKS
UVM (Universal Verification Methodology)
INFRASTRUCTURE
FPGASilicon (physical chip)
TOOLS
SW simulatorFull SW stack

Salary estimate

$140K – $200K
AI-estimated salary range
Confidence75%
Reasoning

NVIDIA is a top-tier semiconductor company in Santa Clara, CA, known for above-market compensation. For a mid-level CPU/hardware verification engineer with 2+ years of experience in Silicon Valley, base salary typically ranges $140K–$200K. NVIDIA also offers significant RSU grants and bonuses, making total comp considerably higher. Estimate based on Levels.fyi/Glassdoor data for NVIDIA hardware engineers at IC3–IC4 levels.

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Green flags

5 items
NVIDIA is rapidly expanding its CPU team (Grace CPU for AI/HPC), offering exposure to cutting-edge silicon used in next-gen AI infrastructuregrowth

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Benefits breakdown

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Hiring insights

JD quality
6/10
Urgency
high
Autonomy
medium
Team size
medium (5-15)

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Red flags

PRO3 items
No specific salary range disclosed despite California pay transparency laws requiring it for hybrid/on-site rolestransparency

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Interview insights

PRO
Rounds
5
Duration
4 wks
Difficulty
hard
Take-home
Yes

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Career path

PRO
Next roles
Senior CPU Verification EngineerStaff Verification EngineerCPU Design/Architecture Engineer

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About the company

NVIDIA is the world's leading designer of GPUs and AI computing platforms. Its chips power everything from gaming and data centers to autonomous vehicles and scientific research. With a market cap exceeding $2 trillion, NVIDIA's CUDA platform and AI accelerators have become the backbone of the global AI revolution.

HQSanta Clara, CA, USA
Interview difficultyhard
Build vs Maintainbuild
Cross-functionalYes