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Security Design Verification Engineer, Staff - Job Opportunity at Qualcomm

Cork, Ireland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 12, 2025
On-site
EUR 85,000 - 120,000 annually. This senior-level position in Cork's competitive tech market, combined with Qualcomm's market-leading position and the specialized nature of security verification engineering, typically commands premium compensation. The staff-level designation indicates significant technical leadership responsibilities warranting upper-tier compensation within the range.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation package including competitive salary, equity participation through stock options, and performance-based bonuses that align individual success with company growth
Progressive parental leave policies supporting work-life balance during major life transitions
Employee stock purchase program enabling workforce participation in company ownership at favorable terms
Employer-matched pension contributions providing long-term financial security and retirement planning support
Educational assistance program investing in continuous professional development and skill advancement
Full relocation and immigration support facilitating international talent acquisition and employee mobility
Comprehensive insurance coverage including life, medical, income protection, and travel insurance providing financial security
Subsidized wellness memberships supporting both physical and mental health initiatives
Sustainable commuting incentives through bicycle purchase scheme promoting environmental responsibility
Diverse employee-led recreational clubs fostering team building and work-life integration

Key Responsibilities

Lead advanced ASIC development initiatives defining and implementing cutting-edge security IP solutions for next-generation Snapdragon SoCs that power mobile, compute, and data center products globally
Architect sophisticated verification frameworks and methodologies for complex security subsystems including hardware root of trust, secure processing units, and cryptographic accelerators
Drive cross-functional collaboration with global teams spanning architecture, software development, SoC design, and security penetration testing to deliver integrated security solutions
Execute comprehensive verification strategies from unit-level to full SoC integration using industry-standard tools and advanced methodologies including VMM/OVM/UVM frameworks
Establish gate-level simulation verification flows ensuring robust validation of security hardware implementations across diverse operational scenarios
Create detailed technical documentation and verification reports for complex security IP projects that serve as reference standards for global development teams
Evaluate and optimize entire design flow processes from high-level architecture through synthesis, place and route, timing analysis, and power optimization

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field

Experience

4+ years of ASIC design, verification, validation, integration, or related work experience (with Master's degree 3+ years, with PhD 2+ years)

Required Skills

Experience in design, testing and verification in hardware and software on SoCs and SoC Methodologies for verifying complex units on SoC using industry standard tools and technologies Proficient in developing unit and SoC level test benches using VMM/OVM/UVM Experience in Gate Level Simulation (GLS) verification flow for SoC verification Experience in security hardware, cryptographic algorithms and exposure to security concepts and implementation techniques Excellent communication skills Advanced ASIC knowledge and experience RTL to GDS Flow experience Virtuoso tools experience
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The semiconductor industry is experiencing unprecedented demand for security-focused hardware solutions driven by increasing cyber threats, regulatory compliance requirements, and the proliferation of IoT devices requiring hardware-level security implementations. Companies are investing heavily in hardware root of trust technologies and secure processing capabilities to address vulnerabilities that software-only solutions cannot mitigate. Mobile and edge computing security is becoming increasingly critical as 5G networks expand and edge processing becomes mainstream. This creates substantial demand for specialized security IP engineers who can design verification frameworks for complex security subsystems in mobile processors and data center applications. The shift toward heterogeneous computing architectures incorporating AI accelerators, specialized processors, and advanced cryptographic units is driving demand for verification engineers with deep security hardware expertise and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Role Significance

Likely leading a team of 3-8 verification engineers while collaborating with a broader security organization of 20-50 professionals across architecture, software, and hardware teams. The role involves both hands-on technical work and technical leadership responsibilities.
This is a senior technical leadership role with 'Staff' designation indicating significant technical authority and influence over security verification strategies. The position requires advanced expertise in complex security subsystem verification and involves strategic decision-making regarding verification methodologies and cross-functional collaboration with global teams.

Key Projects

Development of comprehensive verification frameworks for next-generation Snapdragon security subsystems including hardware root of trust implementations Creation of advanced test benches for cryptographic accelerators and key management systems using industry-standard UVM methodologies Gate-level simulation verification of complex security IP blocks ensuring robust performance across diverse operational scenarios Cross-functional collaboration on large-scale security architecture projects spanning mobile, compute, and data center product lines

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in both security hardware concepts and advanced verification methodologies, particularly the ability to architect comprehensive verification strategies for complex security subsystems that span multiple IP blocks and integration points. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills enabling effective partnership with global teams across diverse disciplines including software architecture, hardware design, and security penetration testing while maintaining technical leadership and strategic direction. Advanced problem-solving capabilities in complex verification scenarios, particularly the ability to debug and resolve issues that span hardware-software interfaces and require deep understanding of both security concepts and SoC-level integration challenges. Technical leadership and mentoring abilities to guide verification engineering teams while contributing to strategic decisions regarding verification methodologies and security IP development approaches.

Market Demand

Very High - Security hardware verification engineers are in extremely high demand globally, with supply significantly lagging behind industry needs. The specialized combination of security expertise, advanced verification methodologies, and SoC-level integration experience creates a particularly scarce skill set in the market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

UVM/OVM/VMM expertise is absolutely essential as these methodologies form the foundation of modern verification approaches. The ability to architect comprehensive test benches using these frameworks directly impacts the quality and reliability of security IP implementations, making this skill non-negotiable for success in the role. Security hardware knowledge including cryptographic algorithms and implementation techniques is fundamental to the role's success. Understanding hardware security concepts enables effective verification strategy development and ensures that test scenarios adequately cover potential attack vectors and security vulnerabilities. SoC-level integration experience is critical because security IP blocks must function correctly within complex system environments. This expertise enables the engineer to understand interdependencies, performance implications, and integration challenges that affect overall system security and functionality.

Beneficial Skills

RTL to GDS flow experience enhances the engineer's ability to understand implementation constraints and optimize verification strategies for manufacturability and performance Cross-functional collaboration skills become increasingly important as security solutions require coordination across hardware, software, and architecture teams Advanced debugging and problem-solving capabilities in complex verification scenarios distinguish high-performing engineers and accelerate career progression in technical leadership roles

Unique Aspects

This role offers direct involvement in developing security solutions for globally deployed mobile processors affecting billions of devices, providing rare opportunity to impact consumer technology at massive scale
The position combines cutting-edge security research with practical implementation challenges, bridging theoretical cryptographic concepts with real-world hardware constraints and performance requirements
Qualcomm's market position provides access to advanced semiconductor processes and emerging technologies before they become widely available, offering unique learning and development opportunities
The role involves collaboration with global teams spanning multiple continents and time zones, providing exceptional exposure to international engineering practices and diverse technical perspectives

Career Growth

Career progression to principal/distinguished engineer level typically occurs within 3-5 years given the specialized expertise and market demand. Management track progression may occur within 2-4 years depending on leadership development and organizational needs.

Potential Next Roles

Principal or Distinguished Engineer roles focusing on security architecture and advanced verification methodologies Security Engineering Manager positions leading larger teams and strategic security initiatives Technical Director roles overseeing multiple security IP development programs Chief Security Officer or VP Engineering positions in semiconductor or security technology companies

Company Overview

Qualcomm

Qualcomm is the global leader in mobile processor technology and wireless communications solutions, commanding dominant market share in premium smartphone processors through its Snapdragon platform. The company's extensive IP portfolio spans 5G, AI, security, and computing technologies, making it one of the most influential semiconductor companies globally.

Qualcomm maintains market leadership in mobile processors with over 40% global market share in premium smartphone segments. The company's licensing business model and extensive patent portfolio create significant competitive advantages, while its expansion into automotive, IoT, and data center markets positions it for continued growth.
The Cork facility represents Qualcomm's strategic European engineering hub, focusing on advanced IP development and serving as a key talent center for the company's global operations. Ireland's favorable business environment and strong engineering talent pool make this location strategically important for Qualcomm's international expansion.
Qualcomm fosters a highly collaborative, innovation-driven culture emphasizing technical excellence and cross-functional teamwork. The company's engineering-centric approach encourages deep technical expertise while providing opportunities for global collaboration and career development across diverse technology domains.
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