Senior NPI Test Engineer

Job Title

Senior NPI Test Engineer

Role Summary

Lead test development for new mixed-signal/high-speed communication ICs through NPI into high-volume production. Serve as the primary technical resource for test architecture, DFT/testability, and production transfer for products operating at and above 200Gbps.

Experience Level

Senior — typically requires 8+ years in semiconductor test engineering, including 5+ years in mixed-signal/RF test development and demonstrated leadership of NPI programs.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include test strategy, cross-functional NPI support, innovation, production scaling, and mentoring. Key tasks:

• Develop and implement test strategies and architectures for complex mixed-signal SiGe products from concept to production.
• Design innovative test methodologies for high-speed SerDes, CDRs, and signal-conditioning ICs operating >200Gbps.
• Define DFT/testability requirements and deliver reusable test IP, libraries, and frameworks.
• Represent test engineering in product architecture reviews, gate meetings, and test readiness reviews.
• Collaborate with IC design, product engineering, and customer quality teams to ensure characterization, correlation, and manufacturability.
• Evaluate and adopt ATE platforms, measurement techniques, and AI/ML approaches for yield and test optimization.
• Transfer test solutions to OSATs and production, driving first-pass success and test-cost reduction.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for test effectiveness, efficiency, and quality; lead continuous-improvement efforts.
• Mentor junior engineers and maintain test methodology documentation and training materials.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, experience, and attributes; separate items list preferred additions.

• Must-have: 8+ years semiconductor test engineering experience with documented leadership of NPI programs; 5+ years in mixed-signal/RF test development.
• Test platforms: Expert-level experience with Advantest V93000 (SmarTest 7/8).
• Programming: Advanced skills in C/C++, Python, and TCL for test development and automation.
• Signal knowledge: Deep understanding of high-speed signal integrity, jitter analysis, and BER testing.
• DFT: Expertise in analog/mixed-signal DFT techniques (BIST, scan, boundary scan) and testability practices.
• RF capability: RF/microwave test techniques at frequencies beyond 40 GHz.
• Process & quality: Strong foundation in statistical process control and quality methodologies; experience achieving aggressive schedules.
• PCB & tools: Experience with PCB design tools (Cadence, Altium) and signal-integrity simulation.
• Soft skills: Cross-functional collaboration, vendor management, and presentation skills to leadership and customers.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with SiGe BiCMOS, AEC-Q100/automotive qualification, Wave Scale RF and 93000 PS1600/PS3600 channels, wafer-level test/probe card design, and test-data analytics/ML techniques.

Education Requirements

Required: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. Preferred: Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline.

About the Company

Company: Semtech

Headquarters: Camarillo, California, USA

Semtech Corporation is a high-performance semiconductor company providing IoT systems and Cloud connectivity solutions. The company focuses on delivering innovative technology solutions that support a smarter, more connected, and sustainable planet, with a dedication to quality across infrastructure, industrial, and consumer markets.