Senior Director of Post-Silicon Validation at Altera

San Jose, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Semiconductors, AI, Networking, High-Performance Computing, Embedded SystemsIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
10+ years of experience in silicon validation, with 5+ years in a leadership role
Proven track record managing large-scale validation programs across multiple product lines
Deep expertise in post-silicon validation methodologies, high-speed interfaces, power management, and system-level debug
Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills
Experience with industry-standard validation tools and lab equipment
Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in high-performance computing, AI accelerators, or networking silicon products
Knowledge of firmware validation, statistical data analysis, and test automation
Familiarity with Agile development and modern program management practices

Responsibilities

Define and implement Altera’s post-silicon validation strategy, roadmap, and execution plans to meet quality and time-to-market goals
Oversee the full post-silicon validation lifecycle—from initial bring-up to high-volume production ramp-up
Partner with design, verification, software, test, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless validation and debug processes
Lead efforts in system-level debugging, performance characterization, and validation methodology development
Establish and continuously improve validation tools, automation frameworks, and lab infrastructure
Identify and mitigate technical risks, ensuring robust contingency planning and issue resolution
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing validation team, fostering innovation and collaboration
Provide regular updates to senior leadership on validation progress, risks, and resolutions
Ensure validation practices align with industry standards and regulatory requirements

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Post-Silicon ValidationSilicon Bring-UpSystem-Level DebuggingPerformance CharacterizationValidation MethodologyAutomation FrameworksFPGASoCSemiconductor ValidationLab Infrastructure

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range is $221,500 - $326,350 USD for Bay Area California only, with actual salary varying based on factors like job location, knowledge, skills, experience, and trainings. Incentive opportunities are also offered based on individual and company performance.

Is this role remote or does it require working in an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the required qualifications for this role?

Candidates need a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, 10+ years of experience in silicon validation with 5+ years in leadership, proven track record managing large-scale programs, deep expertise in post-silicon validation methodologies, high-speed interfaces, power management, and system-level debug, plus strong leadership, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

What is the company culture like at Altera?

Altera emphasizes engineering excellence, innovation, collaboration across teams, and delivering world-class silicon products through rigorous validation.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior Director role?

A strong candidate has 10+ years in silicon validation including 5+ years leading large-scale programs across product lines, deep technical expertise in validation methodologies and debug, proven leadership in building high-performing teams, and experience with high-performance computing, AI accelerators, or networking.

Altera

Develops digital human agents for AI

About Altera

Altera develops digital human agents that mimic human traits like empathy, friendship, and fun. Their primary product allows users to interact with an AI agent while playing Minecraft, creating a friendly and engaging experience. Altera's agents are designed to be interoperable and capable of long-term autonomy, making them suitable for both individual users and businesses. Unlike many competitors, Altera focuses on advancing research and scaling technology to deliver unique, human-like AI products. The company's goal is to redefine AI agents, enhancing their versatility and human-like qualities.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2023Year Founded

$10.7MTotal Funding

SEEDCompany Stage

Consumer Software, AI & Machine LearningIndustries

11-50Employees

Risks

Priest-led cults in Altera's Minecraft simulation may cause ethical concerns.

Managing 1,000 autonomous AI agents poses safety and ethical challenges.

Creating believable digital humans may lead to misuse in deceptive AI applications.

Differentiation

Altera specializes in digital human agents with traits like empathy and friendship.

Their first product offers a unique Minecraft experience with interactive AI agents.

Altera's focus on human-like AI agents sets them apart in the AI sector.

Upsides

Altera raised $9M in May 2024, showing strong investor confidence.

AI-driven gaming experiences are gaining popularity, benefiting Altera's Minecraft product.

The rise of AI companions in mental health indicates a market for empathetic agents.

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