Ask any SOC leader why tape outs are delayed and they’ll tell you verification, but why is it always the bottleneck and what can engineers and managers do about it? SOC projects are growing complexity, multiple core diverse IP blocks, and a multitude of protocols like PCIe, NVMe, SATA verification hasn’t scaled at the same pace.
Companies are desperate for engineers who can handle the load efficiently.
Point one, verification dominates the schedule. It can take up to 70% of the project timeline.
Point two, talent shortage. Engineers who are proficient in UVM system, Verilog and multiple protocols are scarce. Hiring managers competing globally for the same people.
Point three tools. They help but they don’t replace the skill. Emulation prototyping, AI assisted verification all useful, but still requires strong engineers to be effective.
Point four, business impact is huge. Every month a tape out slips, it costs millions in potential revenue, can damage client relationships.
Five successful teams do things differently. They plan verification early, invest in reusable test environments, and focus on attracting and retaining top verification engineers.
Verification bottlenecks are real, but avoidable. Engineers with the right skills are in huge demand, and companies with a plan for verification as well as strategic priority are the ones that succeed.
If your so project is struggling with verification, resourcing, or you’re an engineer looking to specialize, reach out. I’ll give you the live insight into where demand is highest.
