Senior Hardware Validation Engineer – FPGA & Networking

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Hardware Validation Engineer – FPGA & Networking for our client, a leading cloud and software provider and intelligent cloud leader. This highly technical engineering role offers the opportunity to validate next-generation Azure networking technologies by developing automated test frameworks, executing hardware validation, and driving debug and root cause analysis for FPGA and silicon-based networking platforms. Working alongside world-class hardware and software engineers, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of accelerated networking solutions that power one of the world's largest cloud infrastructures.

Top Required Skills (Must Haves):

1. Hardware Validation Engineering (10+ years) – Extensive experience developing validation strategies, writing test plans, executing pre-silicon and post-silicon validation, debugging failures, and driving root cause analysis across complex hardware platforms.
2. Programming & Automation – Expert-level proficiency in C/C++, Python, and SystemVerilog to develop validation frameworks, automate test execution, create diagnostic tools, and analyze validation results.
3. FPGA & Networking Technologies – Hands-on experience validating FPGA-based designs, accelerated networking solutions, and cloud networking technologies, with knowledge of RDMA, SR-IOV, TCP/IP, UDP, and related networking protocols.
4. Validation Tools & Debug – Experience using networking validation platforms such as Ixia/CyPerf and collaborating with hardware, software, and design teams to identify, triage, and resolve complex system-level issues.

How you will make an impact:

• Develop comprehensive validation strategies, test plans, and automated test infrastructure for FPGA and silicon-based networking solutions.
• Execute pre-silicon and post-silicon validation across multiple hardware product cycles.
• Design, develop, and maintain validation software using C/C++, Python, and SystemVerilog.
• Perform debugging, failure analysis, bug triage, and root cause investigations to resolve complex hardware and software issues.
• Create stress, performance, congestion, and error-injection scenarios to validate system reliability.
• Build reusable validation frameworks, automation, checkers, assertions, and testbench components.
• Collaborate closely with hardware design, verification, firmware, and software engineering teams throughout product development.
• Utilize networking validation tools such as Ixia and CyPerf to validate accelerated networking platforms.
• Track validation coverage and ensure successful verification closure across assigned features.
• Help influence future hardware designs by identifying issues early and providing technical feedback throughout development.

The expertise you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of hardware validation or design verification experience.
• Strong experience with pre-silicon and/or post-silicon validation methodologies.
• Expert programming skills in C/C++, Python, and SystemVerilog.
• Experience with FPGA validation is strongly preferred.
• Experience writing test plans, developing validation software, debugging failures, and performing root cause analysis.
• Experience with networking validation tools such as Ixia or CyPerf.
• Knowledge of advanced computer architecture.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals including RDMA, SR-IOV, TCP, UDP, DTLS, and IP networking.
• Experience validating cloud hardware technologies such as NICs, GPUs, or similar high-performance platforms is preferred.
• Familiarity with Assembly, SystemC, C#, and PowerShell is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within highly collaborative engineering teams.

What makes a candidate highly successful in this role:

Successful candidates bring deep experience validating complex hardware across multiple product generations and can confidently own the entire validation lifecycle—from interpreting specifications and creating detailed test plans to developing automation, executing validation, debugging failures, and identifying root causes. They possess strong FPGA and networking validation expertise, are highly proficient in C/C++, Python, and SystemVerilog, and have experience using industry-standard networking validation platforms such as Ixia or CyPerf. They communicate technical concepts clearly, collaborate effectively across hardware and software teams, and demonstrate the ownership and initiative needed to solve challenging engineering problems in a fast-paced cloud infrastructure environment.

Why Work with Team Red Dog?

At Team Red Dog, people are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to personalized service and our deep experience in matching talented professionals with meaningful roles at some of the world's most inspiring companies is what sets us apart. We take the time to understand your unique skills, strengths, and passions—because we believe your career should reflect who you are.

Whether you're looking to grow, pivot, or simply find a place where your work truly matters, we offer opportunities that empower you to make a positive impact. With excellent benefits, a supportive team, and a role where you can thrive while doing what you love, we're here to help you take the next step with confidence. Join us—and discover what it means to be genuinely valued in your career.

Generous benefits package for qualified employees includes:

Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and life)

Employer-matched 401K plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Estimated Start Date: Immediately

Location: Fully Remote (U.S.) — Must support Pacific Time working hours

Job #2556

Job Type and Estimated Duration: W2 contract opportunity through 6/30/2027, with potential for extension subject to performance, budget and client discretion.

Rate: $83–$95/hour

Team Red Dog is committed to providing equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, reach out to hr@teamreddog.com, and we will work to ensure an accessible experience. We strictly adhere to federal, state, and local laws to maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We offer competitive compensation aligned with U.S. industry standards, and our final offer will reflect the candidate's location, job-specific skills, experience, and knowledge.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship.

Team Red Dog is an E-Verify employer.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a reference and background check.

Please no solicitations from C2C or recruiting firms.