Senior Principal Validation Engineer, VCSEL Optical Interconnect Test Platforms

In breve

Marvell designs semiconductor solutions that power data‑center, cloud, AI and carrier networks. The Senior Principal Validation Engineer will join the Hardware and Silicon Validation team within Marvell's Connectivity Business Group, leading the development of VCSEL‑based optical interconnect test platforms that span electro‑optical chiplets, multiple optics vendors and evaluation hardware from first silicon through product tape‑out. The role will set the validation strategy and roadmap for test benches across Marvell's labs in Italy, Vietnam, Canada and the United States. Responsibilities include defining bench architecture, selecting and qualifying instruments, and building calibration and automation frameworks. The engineer will design the electrical and optical hardware needed for the benches, PCBs, evaluation boards, test fixtures and adapters, overseeing schematic creation, stack‑up, SI/PI analysis, layout, fabrication, assembly and bring‑up, often with external partners. They will also create new measurement techniques for optical links (power, spectrum, eye, BER, jitter, link margin) and high‑speed electrical interfaces, evaluate and specify new tools, and execute validation plans from silicon start‑up to tape‑out. Automation of data collection and analysis will be implemented in Python, and documentation such as test plans, characterization reports and design guidelines will be produced. In addition, the engineer will build and mentor a multi‑site team, act as the technical authority, and serve as the primary liaison with optics vendors and cross‑functional leadership. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering or a related discipline, with at least 15 years of experience for a Bachelor's degree or 10 years for a Master's/PhD. They must possess expert‑level proficiency in high‑speed electrical lab measurements (oscilloscopes, BERT, VNA/TDR, AWG, spectrum analyzers) and optical lab measurements (power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, photoreceivers, fiber handling and alignment). Automation experience in Python (SCPI/VISA/GPIB) and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, JMP or R is required, as is solid knowledge of high‑speed board design, SI/PI, transmission‑line fundamentals and PCB fabrication. Familiarity with OrCAD/Allegro or comparable tools, strong communication‑systems fundamentals, and proven technical leadership across sites are also mandatory. Fluency in English and the ability to work with remote teams worldwide are essential. Preferred qualifications include hands‑on experience with VCSELs, photodetectors, optical modules or electro‑optical interconnects, as well as work with chiplet or die‑to‑die interfaces and external optics suppliers. Knowledge of DSP communication theory, data‑networking physical‑layer specifications, and experience building a lab capability or validation organization from the ground up are considered advantageous. The position is classified as Quadro under the Italian collective labor agreement and offers a base salary between €73,300 and €97,700, plus eligibility for Marvell's bonus and equity programs. What the role asks for: - Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in EE, Physics, Optical Engineering or related field - 15+ years experience (Bachelor's) or 10+ years (Master's/PhD) - Expert high‑speed electrical lab measurement skills - Expert optical lab measurement skills - Python bench automation and data‑analysis proficiency - Knowledge of high‑speed PCB design, SI/PI and EM fundamentals - Experience with OrCAD/Allegro or equivalent tools - Fluent English and ability to work with remote international teams - Nice‑to‑have: VCSEL, photodetector and optical module experience - Nice‑to‑have: chiplet or die‑to‑die interface expertise - Nice‑to‑have: DSP communication theory knowledge - Nice‑to‑have: building lab capability or validation organization from scratch