Principal Engineer, Design Enablement

Job Title

Principal Engineer, Design Enablement

Role Summary

The Principal Engineer will lead testing and test-enablement activities for photonics/optoelectronic device development and PDK validation. The role owns test strategy, test plans, test instrumentation and standards to ensure consistent, reliable results for internal development and customer testing services.

This position manages a testing team, coordinates with design engineers, and drives automation and manufacturing-test adaptation for high-volume production.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Preferred: more than 5 years of hands-on experience in optoelectronics testing or test engineering.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include managing people and test capabilities and ensuring devices meet specifications:

• Lead and allocate testing resources; set priorities and assign roles for the test team.
• Define test strategy and develop comprehensive test plans and procedures per project requirements.
• Manage and maintain optical and electrical test instruments and ensure equipment readiness.
• Develop and standardize new test capabilities and document test procedures.
• Collaborate with design and project teams to verify device performance and resolve issues.
• Adapt laboratory/hand-held equipment to automated, high-volume manufacturing test platforms.
• Improve test tool efficiency via automation and process improvements.
• Mentor and train team members to build skills and support professional growth.
• Perform duties in compliance with Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements.

Requirements

Must-have technical and leadership skills; preferred items listed separately.

• Must-have: Practical knowledge of optical and electrical test instruments and methods; experience defining test plans and standard operating procedures.
• Must-have: Experience managing test resources, coordinating teams, and prioritizing test activities.
• Must-have: Experience with test automation and improving test tool efficiency.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with high-speed RF testing.
• Nice-to-have: Programming experience such as C/C++, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or Python for test automation and data analysis.
• Nice-to-have: Hands-on optoelectronics test experience in lab or manufacturing (preferred 5+ years).
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Electronic/Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline. (Source lists a Bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement.)

About the Company

Company: GlobalFoundries

Headquarters: Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

GlobalFoundries is a leading contract manufacturer for the global semiconductor industry, with facilities in multiple countries, including the USA. The company develops a broad portfolio of semiconductor technologies and employs around 13,000 people worldwide. GlobalFoundries focuses on enhancing competitiveness in specialized application solutions and fostering innovation in mobile communications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications.