Principal Design Verification Engineer

Bolt Graphics is a semiconductor startup based in Sunnyvale, CA building the fastest and most efficient graphics processors. We pride ourselves on our first principles approach to solving problems. We are energized by our mission to reduce the barrier of entry for content creation and consumption. Our goal is to enable everyone to easily create, simulate and consume immersive experiences as vividly as they can imagine them.

Our Values

• Be Fearless: Unmute yourself. Test boundaries and get proven right.
• Remain Adaptable: Stay comfortable in a continuously changing world. If you’re wrong, concede and move on.
• Educate Your Ego: Selflessly collaborate towards our shared purpose.

About the role:

As a Principal Design Verification Engineer, you will own the verification strategy and execution for complex IPs or full-chip SoC. You will lead a team of verification engineers, define methodologies, drive coverage closure, and ensure high-quality silicon delivery. This is an on-site role and will require presence in the office 5 days a week. No hybrid option is available.

What you'll do:

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and drive end-to-end verification strategy (block → subsystem → full-chip)
• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing DV team
• Establish verification plans, milestones, and coverage goals
• Drive alignment across architecture, RTL, and physical design teams

• Lead development of UVM-based verification environments
• Define testbench architecture, stimulus strategy, and reusable components
• Drive functional, code, and assertion coverage closure
• Oversee regression infrastructure, debug, and signoff criteria

• Drive GLS (Gate-Level Simulation) with SDF annotation and timing-aware debug
• Manage low-power verification (UPF/CPF) and power-aware simulation
• Oversee formal verification, linting, CDC/RDC analysis
• Ensure robust reset, clocking, and cross-domain verification

• Work with RTL teams on design-for-verification (DFV) improvements
• Collaborate with PD teams on timing-related verification issues
• Support post-silicon bring-up and debug
• Interface with customers/partners on verification readiness and quality

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 12–15 years of experience in ASIC/SoC design verification
• Proven experience leading verification teams and delivering multiple tapeouts
• Strong expertise in:
• • SystemVerilog and UVM methodology
  • Functional coverage, assertions (SVA), and constrained-random verification
  • Debugging complex SoC-level issues
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools such as:
• • Synopsys VCS / Cadence Xcelium
  • Synopsys Verdi
• Strong understanding of:
• • Clock/reset domain crossings (CDC/RDC)
  • Low-power verification methodologies
  • Gate-level simulation and SDF annotation
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in CPU/GPU/AI/Networking SoCs
• Expertise in GLS debug (X-propagation, SDF issues, timing failures)
• Familiarity with emulation platforms (e.g., Synopsys ZeBu)
• Experience with post-silicon validation and bring-up
• Knowledge of performance verification and system-level validation
• Strong scripting skills (Python/TCL) for automation and regression scaling

Compensation Range: $250,000–$280,000 per year (California). This range represents the anticipated base pay for this role based in California; the final offer may vary based on qualifications, experience, and location.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision - 100% covered premiums
• Equity - Stock Options
• 401(k) match
• WFH Hardware

Bolt is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment in which we recognize and value each other’s differences as well as fostering a culture that promotes its core values: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran.