VP, SerDes Validation and Applications at Altera

San Jose, California, United States

Altera Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Semiconductors, TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

  • Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 15+ years of experience in semiconductor validation, with deep expertise in SerDes technologies
  • Proven leadership experience managing large, cross-functional engineering teams
  • Strong understanding of high-speed serial protocols and signal integrity challenges
  • Experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs), scripting (Python, Tcl), and FPGA tools (Quartus, Vivado)
  • Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the validation and applications strategy for SerDes IP across Altera’s product lines
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives to ensure first-time silicon success and customer satisfaction
  • Represent Altera in industry standards bodies and technical forums related to SerDes technologies
  • Oversee post-silicon validation, electrical characterization, and compliance testing of SerDes interfaces (e.g., PCIe, Ethernet, JESD, SATA)
  • Drive development of automated test platforms and regression suites for SerDes validation
  • Ensure robust system-level validation and debug methodologies are in place
  • Build and mentor a high-performing team of validation and applications engineers
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Plan and manage capital equipment and resource allocation for validation labs
  • Provide technical support and guidance to strategic customers during product bring-up and deployment
  • Collaborate with sales and field engineering teams to resolve customer issues and gather feedback for future product improvements

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

SerDesFPGAPCIeEthernetJESDSATApost-silicon validationelectrical characterizationcompliance testingautomated test platformssystem-level validationdebug methodologies

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What qualifications are required for the VP, SerDes Validation and Applications role?

Candidates need a Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, plus 15+ years of experience in semiconductor validation with deep expertise in SerDes technologies, proven leadership managing large cross-functional teams, and strong knowledge of high-speed serial protocols and signal integrity.

What is the location for this position?

The primary location is San Jose, California, United States.

What salary or compensation is offered for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of team leadership is expected in this role?

The role involves building and mentoring a high-performing team of validation and applications engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and managing capital equipment and resources for validation labs.

What experience makes a candidate stand out for this VP position?

Stand out with 15+ years in semiconductor validation focused on SerDes, leadership of large cross-functional teams, expertise in high-speed protocols like PCIe and Ethernet, hands-on experience with lab equipment, scripting in Python and Tcl, and FPGA tools.

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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