Staff Test Engineer
SemtechJob Title
Staff Test Engineer
Role Summary
The Staff Test Engineer will lead test development for mixed-signal, high-speed communication ICs across new product introduction (NPI) through high-volume production. The role focuses on architecture and implementation of test strategies, test IP and methodologies for SerDes, CDRs and related signal-conditioning products.
This position is part of the Global Test Engineering team and works cross-functionally with IC design, product engineering, manufacturing partners, and customer quality teams to deliver robust test solutions for >200Gbps products.
Experience Level
Senior — requires significant hands-on test engineering experience. The posting specifies 5+ years of progressive semiconductor test engineering and 4+ years in mixed-signal/RF test development.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities span technical leadership, NPI support, innovation, production scale-up, and mentorship.
- 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 devices, including techniques for >200Gbps data rates.
- Contribute to DFT/testability requirements and create reusable test IP, libraries, and frameworks to accelerate NPI.
- Represent test engineering in product architecture reviews, gate meetings, and test readiness assessments.
- Partner with IC design and product engineering to ensure manufacturability, characterization strategies, and correlation between silicon and production test.
- Research and evaluate ATE capabilities, measurement techniques, and AI/ML approaches for yield and test optimization.
- Transfer test solutions to OSATs, monitor KPIs for first-pass yield and test efficiency, and drive cost and cycle-time reductions.
- Mentor junior engineers and maintain test methodology documentation and training materials.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills, experience, and competencies. Degree information is summarized separately under Education Requirements.
- 5+ years progressive experience in semiconductor test engineering; 4+ years in mixed-signal/RF test development; proven experience leading NPI programs for high-speed communication ICs.
- Expert experience with Advantest V93000 platform (SmarTest 7/8).
- Advanced programming skills in C/C++, Python, and TCL for test development and automation.
- Strong understanding of high-speed signal integrity, jitter analysis, BER testing, and statistical process control.
- Experience with analog/mixed-signal DFT techniques (BIST, scan, boundary scan) and RF/microwave test techniques beyond 40 GHz.
- Familiarity with PCB design tools (Cadence, Altium) and signal integrity simulation tools.
- Proven ability to deliver complex projects on aggressive schedules and to influence cross-functional teams and vendors.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience with SiGe BiCMOS process technology and test challenges.
- Knowledge of automotive quality standards (AEC-Q100) and qualification processes.
- Familiarity with 93000 PS1600/PS3600 digital channels, Wave Scale RF, wafer-level testing, and probe card considerations.
- Experience applying test data analytics and machine learning to yield and test optimization.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field is required. A Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline is preferred. The posting emphasizes significant relevant practical experience (years in test engineering and mixed-signal/RF work) in addition to formal degrees.
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.
