Location: San Diego, CA - Hybrid (4 days in office, Friday remote)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Principal Test Engineer to serve as the technical authority and strategic leader for new product introduction test development in our mixed-signal product portfolio. This role demands a proven innovator who can architect comprehensive test solutions spanning from early silicon validation through high-volume production. The ideal candidate will drive testability standards across the organization, lead complex multi-disciplinary projects, and deliver breakthrough test methodologies that enable next-generation test solutions supporting sensing products for wearables, cell phones, as well as industrial and automotive.

Primary responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Architect and define test strategies for complex mixed-signal products from concept through production maturity
• Lead development of innovative test methodologies sensing products
• Drive DFT/testability requirements into IC architecture, establishing company-wide standards and best practices
• Develop and implement advanced test techniques for sensing products
• Create reusable test IP, libraries, and frameworks that accelerate NPI cycles across product families
• Perform technical risk assessment and mitigation strategies for test coverage and quality

Cross-functional NPI Support

• Serve as test engineering authority in product architecture reviews and gate meetings
• Partner with IC design teams from concept phase to ensure optimal test coverage and manufacturability
• Lead test readiness reviews with stakeholders, providing strategic recommendations
• Collaborate with Product Engineering to define characterization strategies and correlation methodologies
• Interface with customer quality teams on test specifications and coverage requirements
• Architect and launch test solutions that achieve test time targets for complex mixed-signal devices
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce NPI cycle time by 10-20%

Innovation & Technology Development

• Research and implement next-generation ATE capabilities and measurement techniques
• Develop proprietary test methods that provide competitive advantage in cost and quality
• Lead evaluation and adoption of new test platforms, instrumentation, and methodologies
• Pioneer implementation of AI/ML techniques for yield enhancement and test optimization
• Establish Semtech as industry leader in mixed-signal test innovation

Production Excellence & Scale

• Ensure seamless transfer of test solutions to high-volume OSATs with >99% first-pass success
• Drive test cost reduction initiatives delivering year-over-year improvements
• Establish and monitor KPIs for test effectiveness, efficiency, and quality

Mentorship & Knowledge Management

• Mentor junior engineers, developing next generation of test leaders
• Create and maintain comprehensive test methodology documentation and training materials
• Build strategic relationships with test partners to influence platform development
• Foster culture of innovation and continuous learning within test organization

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 12+ years of progressive experience in semiconductor test engineering
• 8+ years specifically in mixed-signal test development
• Proven track record leading NPI programs for high-speed communication ICs

Technical Expertise:

• Expert-level proficiency with Advantest V93000 platform (SmarTest 7/8)
• Advanced programming skills in C/C++, Python, and TCL
• Deep understanding of high-speed signal integrity, jitter analysis, and BER testing
• Expertise in analog/mixed-signal DFT techniques (BIST, scan, boundary scan)
• Strong foundation in statistical process control and quality methodologies
• Experience with PCB design tools (Cadence, Altium) and signal integrity simulation

Leadership & Business Acumen:

• Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority across organizations
• Track record of delivering complex projects on aggressive schedules
• Strong presentation skills to executive leadership and customers
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic vendor relationships

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in relevant engineering discipline
• 15+ years in semiconductor test
• Experience with SiGe BiCMOS process technology and its test challenges
• Knowledge of automotive quality standards (AEC-Q100) and qualification flows
• Familiarity with 93000 PS1600/PS3600 digital channels and Wave Scale RF
• Experience with wafer-level testing and probe card design
• Experience with test data analytics and machine learning applications

Unique Differentiators for This Role:

• Serves as company-wide test architecture authority for mixed-signal products
• Builds test capabilities that enable entry into new markets and applications
• Establishes Semtech's reputation as test innovation leader in high-speed communications

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.

A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is $137K - $196K. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as job location and the value of other elements of an employee's total compensation package.

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