Validation/Characterization Engineer

Job Title

Validation/Characterization Engineer

Role Summary

Lead validation and characterization for HVDC datacenter power products, covering 400V GaN power stages and low-voltage synchronous rectifiers. The role focuses on designing validation hardware, developing automated test sequences, collecting and analyzing device characterization data, and driving cross-functional debug to support product release.

Work as part of the HVDC new product development team and coordinate with design, systems, and applications engineering to ensure products meet datasheet and VVCM requirements.

Experience Level

Mid-level - requires 3+ years of relevant semiconductor industry experience in characterization or validation.

Responsibilities

Define and execute validation efforts across device- and system-level tests, build hardware and software to run tests, and report results.

• Define comprehensive validation test plans tied to the VVCM and datasheet; own schedule and traceability.
• Design and build validation PCBs (high-voltage and high-current) that meet signal and power integrity requirements.
• Develop reusable automated test sequences and data-collection frameworks using NI TestStand, LabVIEW, and Python.
• Execute functional and characterization tests across multiple devices and conditions; collect and curate data.
• Analyze characterization data versus specifications; generate datasheet-quality plots and statistical assessments (distributions, Cpk, capability).
• Perform structured experiments (DoE) and root-cause analysis for unexpected behavior; drive resolution with design teams.
• Run cross-functional reviews of hardware, test results, and debug findings; maintain test documentation and validation summaries.

Requirements

Core technical skills and domain experience required and preferred for the role.

• Must-have: 3+ years semiconductor industry experience in characterization or validation.
• Must-have: Proficiency with lab instrumentation: oscilloscopes, SMUs, DMMs, signal generators, power supplies, and NI PXI systems.
• Must-have: Experience developing test automation with Python, NI TestStand, and LabVIEW.
• Must-have: Strong hands-on laboratory skills including board bring-up, soldering, and equipment setup for validation testing.
• Preferred: Experience testing high-voltage GaN power stages and low-voltage synchronous rectifiers (COSS, double-pulse, SOA, IDSAT measurements).
• Preferred: Familiarity with data visualization and analysis tools (Spotfire or equivalent) and version control systems such as Git.
• Preferred: Working knowledge of statistical methods for limit validation and datasheet decision-making.
• Preferred: Hands-on PCB design experience (Cadence Allegro X) and understanding of power-electronics layout for GaN FETs.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is required.

About the Company

Company: Texas Instruments

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, USA

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures, and sells analog and embedded processing chips for various markets including industrial, automotive, and personal electronics. The company's innovations aim to make electronics more affordable and reliable, fostering advancements in technology through each generation of semiconductors.