Scenario

A late merge integrates updated NoC config, revised reset sequencing, and two new IP drops. Bring-up now hangs before firmware handoff.

OBSERVED METRIC
Top-level smoke boots fail in 3 domains after latest subsystem merge

45-MINUTE INTERVIEW FLOW
0-5: establish baseline and owner boundaries
5-15: isolate first failing boundary and mechanism
15-25: prove root cause with artifacts
25-35: propose bounded fix + ownership plan
35-45: define regression scope and signoff posture

Common pitfalls

• Debug only one failing domain

• Skip collateral/version manifest checks

• Apply broad RTL fixes before isolating first failure

Scenario debrief

Score each answer on baseline control, owner mapping, artifact quality, and regression completeness.

contracts -> integration -> evidence -> decision

risk trend

Debrief prompts

1. Which owner boundary failed first?

2. Which artifact proves the root cause?

3. What regression scope protects against recurrence?

Key takeaways

• State baseline manifest and owner with every closure metric.

• Run cross-domain regression after every top-level fix.

Common pitfalls

• Comparing results across different manifests.

• Unowned issues slipping through review cycles.

• Waiving risks without expiry and validation plan.