Staff Engineer, Ethernet IP Validation
Tenstorrent
Tenstorrent is leading the industry on cutting-edge AI technology, revolutionizing performance expectations, ease of use, and cost efficiency. With AI redefining the computing paradigm, solutions must evolve to unify innovations in software models, compilers, platforms, networking, and semiconductors. Our diverse team of technologists have developed a high performance RISC-V CPU from scratch, and share a passion for AI and a deep desire to build the best AI platform possible. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to solving hard problems. We are growing our team and looking for contributors of all seniorities.
In this role, you will help validate and enable the next generation of Ethernet MAC and PHY IPs that power our cutting-edge AI accelerator chips, while also developing and maintaining the L2/L3 protocol stack critical for AI accelerator scale-out.
This role sits at the intersection of embedded systems, silicon validation, and advanced networking. You'll work with best-in-class IP from leading vendors and in-house designs, bringing up and validating these IPs in silicon, and building robust validation infrastructure that ensures performance, interoperability, and reliability at scale.
This role is hybrid, based out of Toronto, Canada, and Santa Clara, CA, however we will consider remote candidates on a case by case status.
We welcome candidates at various experience levels for this role. During the interview process, candidates will be assessed for the appropriate level, and offers will align with that level, which may differ from the one in this posting.
Responsibilities:
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Ethernet IP Validation
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Validate and debug high-speed Ethernet MAC and PHY IPs (400GbE/800GbE).
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Perform functional, performance, and compliance testing across PCS/PMA layers and DMA engines.
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Build automated validation suites using traffic generators and real-world packet scenarios for robustness.
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L2/L3 Embedded Firmware Development
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Implement lightweight L2/L3 protocol stacks (ARP, IPv4/v6, ICMP, VLAN, STP, static routing).
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Develop embedded firmware for Ethernet MAC configuration.
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Collaborate with RTOS or embedded Linux to bring up Ethernet interfaces (drivers, initialization, link monitoring).
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Integrate control-plane logic for packet forwarding, route tables, and link state machines.
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Bring-Up & Debug Infrastructure
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Drive post-silicon bring-up across simulation, emulation, and lab environments.
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Write embedded diagnostics, bring-up scripts, and validation firmware for troubleshooting.
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Debug low-level issues using JTAG, MDIO, trace tools, and protocol analyzers.
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Collaborate with RTL designers, system architects, and software teams to resolve cross-stack issues.
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Experience & Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical or Computer Engineering with at least 5 years of relevant experience in embedded systems, firmware, and network protocol development.
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Strong embedded systems background with C/C++ (bare-metal, RTOS, or embedded Linux).
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Expertise in L2/L3 networking protocols (Ethernet, IP, ARP, ICMP, VLAN, basic routing).
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Extensive experience with pre- and post-silicon validation, including hands-on work with traffic generators and lab equipment.
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Comfortable with debugging tools and interfaces like UART, JTAG, MDIO, and analyzing packet traces.
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Nice to have: Exposure to RTL design/verification (SystemVerilog/UVM), Python-based test automation, Jenkins, multi-die chiplets, chip-to-chip interconnects, high-speed board design, Zephyr RTOS, CI/CD pipelines, or low-level FW development for RISC-V.
Compensation for all engineers at Tenstorrent ranges from $100k - $500k including base and variable compensation targets. Experience, skills, education, background and location all impact the actual offer made.
Tenstorrent offers a highly competitive compensation package and benefits, and we are an equal opportunity employer.
Due to U.S. Export Control laws and regulations, Tenstorrent is required to ensure compliance with licensing regulations when transferring technology to nationals of certain countries that have been licensing conditions set by the U.S. government.
Our engineering positions and certain engineering support positions require access to information, systems, or technologies that are subject to U.S. Export Control laws and regulations, please note that citizenship/permanent residency, asylee and refugee information and/or documentation will be required and considered as Tenstorrent moves through the employment process.
If a U.S. export license is required, employment will not begin until a license with acceptable conditions is granted by the U.S. government. If a U.S. export license with acceptable conditions is not granted by the U.S. government, then the offer of employment will be rescinded.