Joseph (Chu Oon) Lam
Functional Validation Engineering Manager
George Town, Penang
Summary
Experienced Validation Engineer with 18+ years of expertise in test and measurement validation, characterization, and semiconductor system validation and debug. Transitioned from specializing in test and measurement validation to becoming an SoC System Debug Lead and Validation Steering Lead in the semiconductor industry. Currently leads a team of skilled functional validation engineers focused on power management across IPs and domains. Committed to optimizing validation processes and ensuring product reliability while driving technical excellence. Strongly believes in leading empathetically and fostering a safe, positive work environment that encourages collaboration and growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Functional Validation Engineering Manager
Intel
01.2025 - Current
- Improved engineering processes by streamlining workflows and implementing efficient project management techniques.
- Presented progress reports to executive leadership, demonstrating success in meeting project milestones on time and within budget constraints.
- Managed risk assessments during project planning phases, proactively mitigating potential issues before they arose during execution stages.
- Fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by encouraging the sharing of ideas, leading to increased creativity and problem-solving capabilities within the team.
Validation Steering Lead
Intel
04.2024 - Current
- Exceeded performance goals by consistently delivering accurate results under tight deadlines, demonstrating exceptional time-management skills and prioritization abilities.
- Reduced errors in data entry by implementing comprehensive validation checks and procedures.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate data collection, input, and reporting across departments.
- Enhanced data quality through thorough examination of records, ensuring the integrity of information used in decision-making processes.
Senior System Debug Lead
Intel
03.2022 - 03.2024
- Responsible for driving system-level debug to root cause for SoC/platform related issues
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for identification and resolution of validation issues
- Reporting status & direction of debug with data analysis & next steps to ensure defects are addressed & dispositioned in a timely manner
- Coach and coordinate junior engineers in innovation projects that improve the process & efficiency of debug activities
Design Validation Engineer (HW)
Keysight Technologies Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
06.2010 - 03.2022
- HW (hardware) design validation focuses on product characterization of customer specifications per R&D definition prior to releasing to manufacturing
- Design validation is conducted in controlled environmental changes (temperature & humidity), to simulate transportation, storage and performance conditions to ensure the HW design is still able to perform to specifications
- Measurement Uncertainty (MU) analysis is derived to determine the optimum test equipment required to characterize the DUT (device under test) or NPI (new product introduction/inventory)
- Process Capability Index (Cpk) is derived for validation tests of at least 7 (minimum) to 15 (optimum) DUT samples in order to qualify and quantify the conformance to customer specifications
- Object-oriented programming (OOP) with C# (MS Visual Studio) and DLL (dynamic link library) generation for usage in Keysight's internal test executive suites
- C#, VB and Agilent VEE Programming Language
- MS Excel with macro for robust and efficient data compilation and analysis
- Measurement Uncertainty Analysis
- HW Design Validation performed on DUTs include: Digital Multimeters (Handheld and 6.5 Digits Bench), Digitizers/Analyzers, Handheld Current Clamp Meters, Handheld LCR Meters and DC Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- Detailed understanding of functionality, interpretation and derivation of specifications of other test instruments needed to perform HW characterization tests for DUT include: Multi-Product Calibrator (Fluke 5520A/22A/5720A/5725A), AC Source (6813B/C), Current Coil (Fluke 5500), Bench Precision LCR Meter (E4980A), 8.5 Digit DMM (3458A), Oscilloscope, Function Generators, Differential Amplifiers, RMS Voltmeters (for AC/DC noise measurement in PSU), E-Loads, Multifunction Switch/Measure Units (otherwise known as DAQ - data acquisition units) and Frequency Counter
Design Validation Engineer (FW)
Keysight Technologies Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
05.2007 - 05.2010
- FW (firmware) design validation tests for SCPI (The Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments defines a standard for syntax and commands to use in controlling programmable test and measurement devices)
- Simulate and perform user case functionality tests per R&D defined SCPI library of commands
- Automate SCPI library syntax tests and error simulations with the objective of identifying, and reproducing potential FW bugs to be resolved by FW design engineers before product is released for customer usage experience
- Perform automated FW regression tests for 72hours non-stop without device under test (DUT) experiencing hang-ups nor errors (if they do, DUT will be automatically restarted and tests will resume)
- Validate communication interface protocols (USB, GPIB) to ensure compliance to IEEE standards
- Generate daily, weekly, monthly results report for FW issue list review and solution tracking
- Object-oriented programming (OOP) with C# (MS Visual Studio) and DLL (dynamic link library) generation for usage in Keysight's internal test executive suites
- IEEE USB and GPIB protocol test methods
- C#, VB and Agilent VEE Programming Language
- FW design validation performed on DUTs include: Source-Measure Unit (SMU), Digital Multimeters (Hand-held and bench) and DC Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- Functionalities of other test instruments needed to perform functional tests for DUT include Oscilloscope, Function Generator, Frequency Counter, Multi-Product Calibrator, E-Loads, Digital Multimeters (handheld and bench)
Calibration Engineer
Keysight Technologies Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
07.2006 - 04.2007
- Maintain GPS-Derived Time and 10MHz Frequency Standard calibration tester in Keysight's (previously known as Agilent) accredited calibration lab
- Perform investigative studies on closure of internal non-conformance (NC) calibration issues for various test and measurement equipment for corrective and preventive action
- Co-derive Measurement Uncertainty (MU) Analysis for Power Supply NPI (new product introduction/inventory)
- Introduction to ISO17025 and Z540-ANSI Metrology Standards
- Introduction to ISO Guide to Expressions of Uncertainty in Measurements (GEUM)
- Introduction to Agilent's MU Analysis Calculation tool (Excel-macro)
- Introduction to HP-BASIC programming language for Calibration Tester maintenance
- Introduction to Agilent VEE Graphical Programming language (OOP; object-oriented programming)
Manufacturing Technical Engineer
Intel Technologies Malaysia
05.2004 - 09.2004
- In charge of machine module maintenance in the manufacturing floor in Intel-PG8 which manufactures all Intel's range of micro-processors
- Perform minor repairs to minimize downtime to maximize product output
- Producing reports on machine status to update subsequent shift colleagues as well as management
- Laser Marking Module with Image Processing Validation under Windows 2000 OS
- Processor Packing Module with Image Processing Validation Under Windows 2000 OS
- An opportunity to work under the system and management of one of the biggest multi-national company in the world that is efficient
- Work under practicing high safety measures that cultivates an awareness for personal as well as public safety
- Exposure to industrial working standards and environment that helps build an ethical lifestyle
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical/Electronic, Electronics
Advanced/Higher/Graduate Diploma of Engineering - Electrical/Electronic
Skills
C# Programming Language
Object Oriented Programming
Data Analysis
Facilitation
Hardware And Software Troubleshooting
Keyboarding Skills
Laboratory Analysis
Laboratory Skills
R&D
Office Skills
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Chinese (Mandarin)
Intermediate (B1)
Malay
Upper intermediate (B2)
Timeline
Functional Validation Engineering Manager - Intel
01.2025 - Current
Validation Steering Lead - Intel
04.2024 - Current
Senior System Debug Lead - Intel
03.2022 - 03.2024
Design Validation Engineer (HW) - Keysight Technologies Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
06.2010 - 03.2022
Design Validation Engineer (FW) - Keysight Technologies Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
05.2007 - 05.2010
Calibration Engineer - Keysight Technologies Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
07.2006 - 04.2007
Manufacturing Technical Engineer - Intel Technologies Malaysia
05.2004 - 09.2004
Penang Skills Development Center (PSDC) - Advanced/Higher/Graduate Diploma of Engineering, Electrical/Electronic
University of Northumbria - Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical/Electronic, Electronics