Principal DFT Engineer

Job Title

Principal DFT Engineer

Role Summary

Senior DFT engineer responsible for implementing and verifying design-for-test solutions for complex SoC projects. The role focuses on scan architecture, ATPG pattern generation/analysis, and gate-level simulation to achieve high fault coverage and clean DFT signoff.

Works closely with RTL, physical design, and test teams to resolve issues, support tape-out timelines, and provide pre- and post-silicon test support as needed.

Experience Level

Senior — 7–12 years of relevant DFT/ASIC experience.

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities include implementation, verification, and cross-team coordination for DFT on SoC designs.

• Implement and verify scan architectures and perform scan insertion for complex designs.
• Generate and analyze ATPG patterns for stuck-at and transition faults to meet coverage targets.
• Execute gate-level simulation (GLS) with and without SDF for DFT validation and timing-aware checks.
• Debug DFT and GLS issues independently and coordinate fixes across RTL, physical, and test teams.
• Drive DFT signoff activities and support tape-out schedules.
• Provide support for pre-silicon validation and post-silicon bring-up when required.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; listed nice-to-have items separately.

• Must-have: Hands-on expertise in Scan Insertion, ATPG, and Gate-Level Simulation (GLS).
• Must-have: Proficiency with industry DFT tools (Mentor/Siemens Tessent, Synopsys, or Cadence DFT toolsets).
• Must-have: Strong Verilog/SystemVerilog skills and experience debugging RTL-related DFT issues.
• Must-have: Experience generating/analyzing patterns for stuck-at and transition faults and working with SDF timing data.
• Nice-to-have: Prior support for pre- and post-silicon debug and test activities on SoC projects.
• Nice-to-have: Experience collaborating closely with physical design and test engineering teams on tape-out deliverables.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: NXP Semiconductors

Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands

NXP Semiconductors N.V. is a global semiconductor company that provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions. With over 45,000 employees and operations in more than 35 countries, NXP is a leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, catering to automotive, industrial IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, advancing a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through technology.