Principal Hardware DFT Lead

Job Title

Principal Hardware DFT Lead

Role Summary

Architect, implement, and validate automotive-grade SoC test solutions. Define advanced DFT strategies, lead implementation and verification of pre- and post-tapeout DFT features, improve test coverage and manufacturing test efficiency, and coordinate with RTL, physical design, and test teams.

Experience Level

Senior — typically requires 10+ years of industry experience in SoC DFT implementation, verification, static timing closure, test coverage analysis, and silicon bring-up on ATE.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Define and implement DFT architecture and strategy (scan architecture, JTAG, MBIST, LBIST).
• Lead scan insertion and ATPG flows to achieve high fault coverage and implement test compression.
• Integrate DFT into digital subsystems and modify RTL/test wrappers as required.
• Perform verification (gate-level simulation) and coverage analysis prior to fabrication.
• Drive post-silicon validation and debug using ATE data to diagnose failures and improve yield and test efficiency.
• Coordinate with physical design and RTL teams on DFT-specific timing constraints (SDC) and timing closure.

Requirements

Must-have skills and technologies:

• Proven DFT expertise: scan insertion, ATPG, BIST (MBIST/LBIST), boundary scan/JTAG, and test compression.
• Proficiency with industry DFT/EDA tools such as Mentor Graphics/Siemens Tessent, Synopsys TestMAX/DFT Compiler, or Cadence Modus.
• Strong RTL knowledge and HDL skills (Verilog or SystemVerilog) for inserting and validating test logic.
• Experience with static timing analysis and creating DFT-specific timing constraints (SDC).
• Gate-level simulation and post-silicon debug experience using ATE.
• Scripting and automation skills (Tcl, Python, or Perl) to automate flows and parse reports.

Education Requirements

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar technical degree.

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.