Lead Hardware Design Engineer — Power Semiconductor Systems (GaN/SiC)

Job Title

Lead Hardware Design Engineer — Power Semiconductor Systems (GaN/SiC)

Role Summary

Lead engineer responsible for designing and delivering hardware systems to qualify and characterise wide-bandgap power semiconductor devices (primarily GaN and SiC). The role reports to the GaN Lab Manager and sits within a small cross-functional team of electronic engineers, laboratory reliability, measurement and failure analysis specialists, and project managers.

Primary mission: define and implement complex bench-top and production qualification hardware, and lead hardware/firmware/software development through validation and release.

Experience Level

Senior / Lead. Specific years of experience not stated in the posting.

Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities for the role include:

• Deliver complex hardware solutions for qualification and characterisation of wide-bandgap devices (GaN, SiC, IGBT).
• Collaborate with project managers and technical leads to define design specifications from stakeholder requirements.
• Evaluate and integrate off-the-shelf solutions where appropriate.
• Lead hardware, firmware, and software development activities across projects.
• Design analogue and digital circuits to meet defined specifications.
• Develop bench-top systems to support early-stage product performance assessment and validation.
• Plan, manage, and execute development activities through testing and final delivery; communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Support and mentor junior engineers in technical development and day-to-day tasks.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience (essential):

• Strong knowledge of power semiconductor devices (GaN, SiC, IGBT, MOSFET) and their performance characteristics.
• Hands‑on experience in analogue and digital power electronics design.
• Experience programming microcontrollers (examples: ARM, ST, TI, PIC) and working knowledge of VHDL.
• Proficiency with circuit and system simulation tools (e.g., LTspice, Simulink or similar).
• Experience across the full hardware product lifecycle from concept through validation and release.
• Ability to plan, manage, and execute development activities through to testing and delivery.
• Strong technical specification writing skills, including specifications for outsourced development.
• Experience with PCB CAD tools (schematic capture and layout).
• Excellent communication skills, including explaining complex concepts to less-experienced colleagues.

Nice-to-have (beneficial):

• Experience working in a semiconductor laboratory environment (reliability testing, measurement systems).
• Familiarity with automotive qualification standards and reliability tests (e.g., HTRB, HTGB, H3TRB, IOL, HAST/UHAST).
• Experience with both text-based and graphical programming environments (e.g., Python, LabVIEW).

Education Requirements

Degree in Electronic Engineering or equivalent practical experience is specified. The posting allows equivalent experience in place of a degree and mentions funded academic support up to PhD level as a company development option.

About the Company

Company: Nexperia

Headquarters: Cabuyao, Philippines

Nexperia is a global leader in semiconductor development with a focus on in-house production. The company boasts a strong international network and is dedicated to innovation and excellence in the semiconductor industry, providing a dynamic environment for its employees.