CPU Silicon Validation Lead, Google Cloud

Google
Full_time•Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: CPU Silicon Validation Lead, Google Cloud
  • Company: Google
  • Location: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv, Israel
  • Job Type: On-site
  • Category: Hardware Engineering, Technical Leadership
  • Date Posted: June 24, 2025
  • Experience Level: 10+ years
  • Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead comprehensive silicon validation efforts for Google's custom CPU designs, ensuring functional, performance, power, and reliability aspects are covered.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with design, architecture, software, and firmware teams to debug and resolve silicon issues.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing team of silicon validation engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.
  • Analyze validation data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement in silicon quality and reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background in silicon validation, along with proven leadership skills to manage a team of validation engineers and drive complex projects to completion.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Validation Planning & Execution: Develop and execute comprehensive validation plans for Google's custom silicon, covering functional, performance, power, and reliability aspects.
  • Infrastructure Development: Design and build scalable validation test infrastructure, including hardware setups, software frameworks, and automation tools on Emulation or FPGA platforms.
  • Silicon Issue Resolution: Lead the debugging and resolution of silicon issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams such as design, architecture, software, and firmware.
  • Data Analysis & Improvement: Analyze validation data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement in silicon quality and reliability.
  • Team Building & Mentoring: Build and mentor a high-performing team of silicon validation engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a mix of technical deep-dive and leadership responsibilities, requiring strong problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is required.

Experience: At least 8 years of experience in silicon validation or a related field is required. Experience in leading technical teams and building cross-functional relationships is also essential.

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in silicon validation methodologies, tools, and techniques, including hardware setups, and automation tools on Emulation or FPGA platforms.
  • Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and mentor a team of silicon validation engineers.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to audiences.
  • Experience in debugging and resolving silicon issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) prototyping, Hardware Emulation (e.g., ZeBu Server, Palladium, Veloce), or simulation platforms.
  • Knowledge of cloud computing technologies and architectures, including data centers, networking, and storage.
  • Familiarity with hardware description languages (e.g., Verilog, VHDL) and hardware verification methodologies (e.g., UVM, SystemVerilog).

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly required, experience with cloud computing technologies and hardware description languages can be beneficial for understanding the broader context and implications of silicon validation efforts.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Validation Plans: Include examples of comprehensive validation plans you've developed and executed, highlighting the breadth of aspects covered (functional, performance, power, reliability).
  • Infrastructure Development: Showcase your ability to design and build scalable validation test infrastructure, with examples of hardware setups, software frameworks, and automation tools.
  • Silicon Issue Resolution: Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by presenting case studies of silicon issues you've debugged and resolved, emphasizing your collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Data Analysis & Improvement: Highlight your data analysis skills by showcasing how you've identified trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement in silicon quality and reliability.

Technical Documentation:

  • Validation Reports: Include detailed validation reports, demonstrating your ability to document and communicate complex technical findings.
  • Process Documentation: Showcase your process documentation skills by providing examples of how you've documented and improved silicon validation methodologies and tools.
  • Code Documentation: Demonstrate your code documentation skills by providing examples of well-commented code, emphasizing your attention to detail and commitment to maintainability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the leadership aspect of this role, be prepared to discuss your team-building and mentoring strategies, as well as your approach to fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated salary range for this role in Tel Aviv, Israel is ₪500,000 - ₪700,000 per year (approximately $150,000 - $210,000 USD). This estimate is based on market research and regional salary standards for experienced hardware engineering and technical leadership roles in the tech industry.

Benefits:

  • Competitive healthcare, dental, and vision plans.
  • Generous retirement (401k) and employee stock purchase plans.
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Maternity and paternity leave policies.
  • Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications.
  • On-site cafeterias and fitness facilities.
  • Commuter benefits and transportation reimbursement.

Working Hours: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with flexible hours and the option to work from home occasionally. However, this role may require additional hours during critical project deadlines or maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While Google is known for its competitive benefits packages, the specific benefits offered may vary depending on the location and employment status of the candidate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Google operates in the technology industry, with a focus on search engines, online advertising, cloud computing, software, and hardware. The company's success is built on its innovative culture, which encourages employees to think big and take risks.

Company Size: Google is a large company with over 135,000 employees worldwide. This size provides ample opportunities for career growth and collaboration with diverse teams.

Founded: Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin. The company has since grown to become one of the world's most valuable brands, with a mission to "organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful."

Team Structure:

  • The ML, Systems, and Cloud AI (MSCA) organization at Google designs, implements, and manages the hardware, software, machine learning, and systems infrastructure for all Google services and Google Cloud.
  • The silicon validation team works closely with cross-functional teams such as design, architecture, software, and firmware to ensure the quality and reliability of Google's custom silicon.
  • The team is expected to collaborate with other Google teams, as well as external partners, to drive innovation and maintain Google's competitive edge in the technology industry.

Development Methodology:

  • Google follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous integration, and collaboration.
  • The company emphasizes data-driven decision-making, with a strong focus on metrics and analytics to inform product development and strategy.
  • Google's culture encourages innovation and experimentation, with a "moonshot" approach to tackling complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of technology.

Company Website: Google Careers

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is known for its emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. This role will require strong problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high degree of technical expertise and leadership skills. The successful candidate will have at least 8 years of experience in silicon validation or a related field, with a proven track record of driving complex projects to completion.

Reporting Structure: The CPU Silicon Validation Lead will report directly to the Engineering Manager for the silicon validation team. The role will involve managing a team of silicon validation engineers, as well as collaborating with cross-functional teams such as design, architecture, software, and firmware.

Technical Impact: The CPU Silicon Validation Lead will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of Google's custom silicon. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving comprehensive validation efforts, identifying and resolving silicon issues, and improving silicon validation methodologies and tools. This role will have a significant impact on the performance, efficiency, and integration of Google's direct-to-consumer products, as well as the company's cloud computing infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: As a senior-level role, this position offers opportunities for technical specialization and expertise development in silicon validation methodologies, tools, and techniques.
  • Team Leadership: The CPU Silicon Validation Lead will have the opportunity to build and mentor a high-performing team of silicon validation engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.
  • Architecture & Design: With experience in silicon validation and a strong understanding of hardware description languages and hardware verification methodologies, the successful candidate may have opportunities to contribute to silicon architecture and design efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior-level nature of this role, there are significant opportunities for career growth and development within Google's hardware engineering organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Google's offices are designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with open workspaces, breakout areas, and on-site amenities such as cafeterias and fitness facilities.

Office Location(s): The CPU Silicon Validation Lead role is based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. Google's Tel Aviv office is located in the Azrieli Circular Tower, offering panoramic views of the city and convenient access to public transportation.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaboration: Google's offices are designed to encourage collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with open workspaces and breakout areas for team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
  • Technology & Tools: Google provides its employees with state-of-the-art technology and tools, including high-performance workstations, multiple monitors, and access to the company's extensive suite of collaboration and productivity software.
  • Work-Life Balance: Google offers flexible work arrangements, including the option to work from home occasionally, as well as on-site amenities such as fitness facilities and wellness programs to support work-life balance.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with flexible hours and the option to work from home occasionally. However, this role may require additional hours during critical project deadlines or maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's work environment is designed to support collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. The company offers a range of on-site amenities and flexible work arrangements to support the needs of its employees.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  • Phone Screen (30 minutes): A brief phone screen to assess communication skills and technical fit for the role.
  • Technical Deep Dive (60 minutes): A technical deep-dive focused on silicon validation methodologies, tools, and techniques. This may include questions on hardware setups, automation tools, and data analysis.
  • Behavioral & Leadership Questions (60 minutes): Questions focused on leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills, as well as experience working with cross-functional teams.
  • Final Interview (60 minutes): A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the team, as well as any remaining questions or concerns.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Validation Plans: Highlight your ability to develop and execute comprehensive validation plans, covering functional, performance, power, and reliability aspects.
  • Infrastructure Development: Showcase your ability to design and build scalable validation test infrastructure, with examples of hardware setups, software frameworks, and automation tools.
  • Silicon Issue Resolution: Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by presenting case studies of silicon issues you've debugged and resolved, emphasizing your collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Data Analysis & Improvement: Highlight your data analysis skills by showcasing how you've identified trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement in silicon quality and reliability.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Silicon Validation: Brush up on your silicon validation methodologies, tools, and techniques, with a focus on hardware setups, automation tools, and data analysis.
  • Leadership & Team Building: Prepare for behavioral and leadership questions by reflecting on your experience managing and mentoring teams, as well as your approach to fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Familiarize yourself with Google's organization and product offerings, as well as the role of silicon validation in the broader context of hardware engineering and cloud computing.

ATS Keywords: [See the comprehensive list of ATS keywords at the end of this document]

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior-level nature of this role, the interview process will place a strong emphasis on leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills, as well as technical expertise in silicon validation methodologies, tools, and techniques.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Hardware Platforms:

  • Google's custom silicon designs, including CPUs, GPUs, and TPUs.
  • Emulation and FPGA platforms, such as ZeBu Server, Palladium, and Veloce.

Hardware Description Languages:

  • Verilog
  • VHDL

Hardware Verification Methodologies:

  • UVM (Universal Verification Methodology)
  • SystemVerilog

Automation Tools:

  • Python
  • Perl
  • Tcl

Data Analysis Tools:

  • R
  • MATLAB
  • SQL

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is focused on silicon validation, a strong understanding of hardware description languages, hardware verification methodologies, and automation tools is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

  • Innovation: Google values innovation and encourages its employees to think big and take risks. This role requires a strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of silicon validation and driving innovation in hardware engineering.
  • Collaboration: Google's culture is built on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and collaborator, with the ability to work with diverse teams to drive complex projects to completion.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Google places a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making. The successful candidate will be skilled in data analysis and interpretation, with the ability to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement in silicon quality and reliability.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The silicon validation team works closely with cross-functional teams such as design, architecture, software, and firmware. Effective collaboration and communication are essential for success in this role.
  • Code Review Culture: Google follows a code review culture, with a strong emphasis on quality, maintainability, and collaboration. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a code review-driven environment and contributing to the continuous improvement of silicon validation methodologies and tools.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Google encourages knowledge sharing and learning from one another. The successful candidate will be an effective mentor and knowledge sharer, with a commitment to fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is built on innovation, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and collaborator, with a strong commitment to driving innovation in hardware engineering and fostering a culture of technical excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Silicon Validation: The successful candidate will be faced with complex silicon validation challenges, requiring strong problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of hardware setups, automation tools, and data analysis.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role requires effective collaboration with cross-functional teams such as design, architecture, software, and firmware. The successful candidate will need to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and drive consensus on technical decisions.
  • Data Analysis & Interpretation: The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing validation data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement in silicon quality and reliability. This requires strong data analysis and interpretation skills, as well as a deep understanding of silicon validation methodologies and tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: As a senior-level role, this position offers opportunities for technical specialization and expertise development in silicon validation methodologies, tools, and techniques.
  • Leadership Development: The CPU Silicon Validation Lead will have the opportunity to build and mentor a high-performing team of silicon validation engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence. This role offers significant opportunities for leadership development and growth.
  • Architecture & Design: With experience in silicon validation and a strong understanding of hardware description languages and hardware verification methodologies, the successful candidate may have opportunities to contribute to silicon architecture and design efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior-level nature of this role, there are significant opportunities for technical specialization, leadership development, and growth within Google's hardware engineering organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Silicon Validation Methodologies: Prepare for questions on silicon validation methodologies, tools, and techniques, with a focus on hardware setups, automation tools, and data analysis.
  • Hardware Description Languages: Brush up on your knowledge of hardware description languages such as Verilog and VHDL, as well as hardware verification methodologies such as UVM and SystemVerilog.
  • Data Analysis & Interpretation: Prepare for questions on data analysis and interpretation, with a focus on identifying trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement in silicon quality and reliability.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Google's Organization: Familiarize yourself with Google's organization and product offerings, as well as the role of silicon validation in the broader context of hardware engineering and cloud computing.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Prepare for questions on your experience working with cross-functional teams, as well as your approach to driving consensus on technical decisions and fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.
  • Innovation & Risk-Taking: Google values innovation and encourages its employees to think big and take risks. Prepare for questions on your approach to innovation and risk-taking in a hardware engineering context.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Validation Plans: Highlight your ability to develop and execute comprehensive validation plans, covering functional, performance, power, and reliability aspects.
  • Infrastructure Development: Showcase your ability to design and build scalable validation test infrastructure, with examples of hardware setups, software frameworks, and automation tools.
  • Silicon Issue Resolution: Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by presenting case studies of silicon issues you've debugged and resolved, emphasizing your collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Data Analysis & Improvement: Highlight your data analysis skills by showcasing how you've identified trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement in silicon quality and reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior-level nature of this role, the interview process will place a strong emphasis on leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills, as well as technical expertise in silicon validation methodologies, tools, and techniques.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this CPU Silicon Validation Lead role at Google Cloud:

  1. Submit Your Application: Visit the Google Careers website and search for the job listing with the title "CPU Silicon Validation Lead, Google Cloud." Click on the job listing and follow the instructions to submit your application.
  2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience in silicon validation, with a focus on validation plans, infrastructure development, silicon issue resolution, and data analysis. Include examples of your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to completion.
  3. Brush Up on Technical Skills: Review your knowledge of silicon validation methodologies, tools, and techniques, with a focus on hardware setups, automation tools, and data analysis. Brush up on your knowledge of hardware description languages and hardware verification methodologies, as well as your data analysis and interpretation skills.
  4. Research Google's Organization & Culture: Familiarize yourself with Google's organization and product offerings, as well as the role of silicon validation in the broader context of hardware engineering and cloud computing. Prepare for questions on your approach to innovation, collaboration, and risk-taking in a hardware engineering context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and silicon validation industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages:

  • C
  • C++
  • Verilog
  • VHDL
  • SystemVerilog
  • Python
  • Perl
  • Tcl
  • R
  • MATLAB
  • SQL

Hardware Platforms:

  • Emulation
  • FPGA
  • ASIC
  • SoC
  • CPU
  • GPU
  • TPU

Hardware Description Languages:

  • Verilog
  • VHDL
  • SystemVerilog

Hardware Verification Methodologies:

  • UVM (Universal Verification Methodology)
  • SystemVerilog

Automation Tools:

  • Python
  • Perl
  • Tcl

Data Analysis Tools:

  • R
  • MATLAB
  • SQL

Web Infrastructure:

  • Cloud Computing
  • Data Centers
  • Networking
  • Storage

Soft Skills:

  • Leadership
  • Team Building
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Interpretation

Industry Terms:

  • Silicon Validation
  • Silicon Quality
  • Silicon Reliability
  • Hardware Setups
  • Automation Tools
  • Data Analysis
  • Cross-Functional Teams
  • Technical Leadership
  • Technical Mentoring
  • Technical Excellence
  • Innovation
  • Risk-Taking
  • Data-Driven Decision Making

Application Requirements

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 8 years of experience in silicon validation or a related field. Preferred qualifications include experience with FPGA prototyping and knowledge of cloud computing technologies.