Amitabh Kumar
Noida
Summary
Dynamic Principal Functional Validation Engineer with extensive experience at NXP Semiconductors, specializing in security feature testing and automated test creation. Demonstrated expertise in validating secure boot mechanisms and ECC implementation, fostering effective collaboration with cross-functional teams. Strong debugging techniques and unwavering commitment to quality assurance propel successful project outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Functional Validation Engineer
NXP Semiconductors India Pvt Ltd
Noida
05.2022 - Current
- Led the validation of Security IP blocks including cryptographic accelerators, and secure boot mechanisms.
- Developed automated test suites using C and Python for security feature validation.
- Validated secure boot flows, key provisioning, and rollback protection.
- Debugged boot failures using Lauterbach Trace32, JTAG, and UART.
- Performed glitch detection validation across PVT conditions.
- Validated embedded flash memory blocks for functionality, reliability, and endurance.
- Verified ECC implementation and tested error scenarios.
- Documented test coverage, and contributed to silicon errata and mitigation strategies.
- Performed tamper detection and recovery validation during secure boot process using UART logs, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
- Validated Flash bootloader functionality, ensuring proper initialization and firmware loading from Flash memory.
Lead Systems and Applications Engineer
NXP Semiconductors India Pvt Ltd
Noida
06.2010 - 04.2022
- Automated migration of specifications to DITA-compliant XML using Perl and JavaScript.
- Worked with cross-functional teams, such as Front End (RTL Integration), Design, and Verification, to ensure the technical quality of deliveries.
- Generated header files for the validation team using the common register repository.
- Performed rigorous testing to ensure accurate rendering of text, images, and interactive elements across devices.
Software/Information Developer
Kogent Learning Solutions
02.2007 - 01.2010
- Worked on creating courseware content for Microsoft Visual Studio.
- Worked on developing courseware ERP software.
Education
M.Tech - Embedded Systems (Work-Integrated)
BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani01-2023
B.Tech - Computer Science & Engineering
Dehradun Institute of Technology
Dehradun01-2006
High School Diploma -
Computer Science & Engineering
Karnataka Education Board01-2002
Skills
- Pre- and post-silicon validation
- Security feature testing
- Automated test creation
- Debugging techniques
- Tamper detection
- ECC verification
- Validation planning
- Secure firmware handoff
- Key provisioning
- Secure Boot validation
- Silicon debug and bring-up
- Trusted Execution Environment validation
- Lifecycle advancement
- Issue tracking and root cause analysis
Projects
Key assignments
- Arm-based automotive SoC validation
- Pre-silicon validation on the emulation platform using Veloce and Zebu
- Boot flow enablement and security IP readiness for SoC bring-up
- Development of CMM script for trust provisioning to access the secure core
- Lifecycle advancement of chips to prevent access to the secure core by non-secure users
- Flash memory and controller validation (K3-series SoCs)
- Glitch validation and characterization across PVT matrix samples, generated stress patterns, and monitors for early defect discovery
Security modules validation (K3 and 16nm SoCs)
- Development of secure firmware (pink image) binary
- Validate fuse programming flows for SoC security and configuration, including OTP and eFuse blocks
- TRNG and cryptographic engine validation
- Hardware root-of-trust validation
- Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) validation
- Secure Boot flow validation
- Secure firmware update validation
- Fault injection and tamper detection validation to ensure resilience against physical attacks
Honors And Awards
- Peer-to-Peer & Cheers for Peers Awards - intra-team awards for supporting debugging activities and enabling colleagues
- Diamond Chip Award: highest team honor at NXP acquired Freescale Semiconductors
- Team Bravo & Winning Starts Here Awards - for system use-case validation and critical issue reporting
Languages
English
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Hindi
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Tools and Programming Skills
- Programming and Automation: C, Python, Shell Scripting, CMM
- SoC Bring-up Tools: Lauterbach Trace32, JTAG, UART
- Version Control and Project Management: Git, Jira, Confluence, DesignPDM
- Hardware: Oscilloscope, Logic Analyzer, Thermostream
- Emulation Platform: Mentor Veloce, Synopsys Zebu
Timeline
Principal Functional Validation Engineer
NXP Semiconductors India Pvt Ltd
05.2022 - Current
Lead Systems and Applications Engineer
NXP Semiconductors India Pvt Ltd
06.2010 - 04.2022
Software/Information Developer
Kogent Learning Solutions
02.2007 - 01.2010
M.Tech - Embedded Systems (Work-Integrated)
BITS Pilani
B.Tech - Computer Science & Engineering
Dehradun Institute of Technology
High School Diploma -
Computer Science & Engineering