Principal Engineer, DFT
QualcommJob Title
Principal Engineer, DFT
Role Summary
Technical leader responsible for architecting and deploying advanced Design-for-Test (DFT), ATPG, and MBIST methodologies across SoC products built on advanced process nodes. The role partners with global design, test, product engineering, and EDA vendors to deliver scalable DFT solutions that enable first-pass silicon success and manufacturing test quality.
Experience Level
Senior / Principal level. Typical candidates have a multi-decade record of VLSI CAD/EDA and DFT methodology development; the posting targets ~12–15 years of relevant industry experience (minimums vary by degree).
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include defining methodology direction, leading deployment across product lifecycles, and mentoring teams. Key responsibilities:
- Lead architecture, development, integration, and deployment of DFT, ATPG, and MBIST methodologies from RTL through post-silicon and production test.
- Collaborate with global DFT teams, SoC design, product/test engineering, and EDA vendors to deliver scalable solutions and improve test coverage and quality.
- Evaluate emerging DFT tools and techniques via proofs-of-concept, DoE, and joint development with EDA partners.
- Drive methodology enhancements and automation to increase productivity, reduce test cost/time, and maximize defect coverage.
- Define and execute the DFT methodology roadmap addressing technology scaling and evolving test strategies.
- Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and influence across cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience. Preferred items are noted.
- Deep expertise in DFT techniques: scan insertion/optimization, ATPG, test compression, MBIST, fault modeling, and coverage analysis.
- Hands-on experience with industry DFT/ATPG/MBIST tools such as Siemens Tessent, Synopsys TestMAX, SMS (or equivalent).
- Proven track record delivering methodology improvements that measurably improve test quality and execution efficiency.
- Strong programming and automation skills (TCL, Python) and familiarity with software development practices: version control, configuration management, release processes, QA.
- Solid understanding of SoC DFT architecture, product test engineering practices, ATE environments, silicon bring-up, and manufacturing test flows.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects and influence cross-functional stakeholders in a global engineering organization.
- Exposure to AI/ML-based solutions or intelligent automation for DFT flows is preferred but not required.
Education Requirements
Posting specifies: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Experience-to-degree guidance in the posting: Bachelor's +8 years, Master's +7 years, PhD +6 years; the role also targets ~12–15 years of VLSI CAD/EDA/DFT experience for principal-level candidates.
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.
