DDR Bench Characterization Engineer

Job Title

DDR Bench Characterization Engineer

Role Summary

This position is part of the Post-Silicon Engineering group responsible for test solutions and characterization of SOC DDR subsystems and high-speed IP (DRAM, DRAM controller, mixed-signal PHY, IO circuits, clocking, delay circuits, and power distribution). The engineer will develop and execute characterization plans, perform silicon bring-up and root-cause debug, automate test scripts and data flows, and support sign-off for manufacturing readiness.

The role requires close collaboration with IC design, systems, customer engineering, and hardware applications teams to resolve time-critical issues and provide clear technical recommendations.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Early Career — typically 1+ years of relevant hardware or characterization experience; fresh graduates are welcome to apply.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Define and execute characterization plans for LPDDR/PC-DDR subsystems and related high-speed IP.
• Perform first-silicon bring-up, electrical compliance validation, and systematic root-cause failure analysis across process, voltage, temperature, and configuration corners.
• Develop and automate test scripts, measurement procedures, and data-processing flows to accelerate evaluation and support data-driven decisions.
• Analyze eye diagrams, jitter, differential signaling, and signal/power integrity to optimize design and test parameters.
• Assist hardware debug for package and board-related power integrity (PI) and signal integrity (SI) issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (IC design, systems, customer engineering, hardware applications) to resolve customer issues and RMAs in time-critical situations.
• Document characterization results, debug findings, methodology updates, and design recommendations; present results to stakeholders.

Requirements

Must-have vs. nice-to-have skills and experience:

• Must-have: Experience using Python or C# for test automation and development of measurement/control scripts.
• Must-have: Hands-on silicon debug and high-speed interface characterization skills (parametric analysis, eye/jitter/SI evaluation).
• Must-have: Ability to develop and execute test plans, automate data-processing flows, and drive issues to closure across teams.
• Must-have: Strong problem-solving, organization, and written/verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear technical reports.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, TDR/VNA, J-BERT, and power measurement tools.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with DDR2/3/4/5 and LPDDR2/3/4/5 protocols, IO timing, and device specifications.
• Nice-to-have: Background in VLSI technologies, CMOS analog/digital circuits, mixed-signal semiconductor physics, board design (schematic/layout), and ASIC device-level characterization.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field is listed as preferred. The posting also allows related work experience; equivalent practical experience may be acceptable in lieu of a degree where applicable.

About the Company

Company: Qualcomm

Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States

Qualcomm is a global leader in semiconductor and telecommunications equipment, specializing in mobile technologies and innovations. Known for its Adreno GPUs, the company provides solutions enabling advancements in mobile gaming, AI, VR/AR, and autonomous driving. Qualcomm's cutting-edge technology and commitment to high-performance, power-efficient designs drive the evolution of mobile graphics and connectivity worldwide.