PDF Solutions, Inc.

Senior/Staff CHAR Engineer

PDF Solutions, Inc.$140K — $210K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Strong hands-on experience with parametric test data (IV, CV, Idsat, Vt, leakage, variability, reliability).
  • Solid grounding in MOSFET/device physics and process integration.
  • Proven capability in statistical analysis, variability characterization, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Proficiency in tools such as Python, JMP, MATLAB for data mining and automation.
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical anomalies across test, probe, and process domains.
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams in engineering.
  • Strong attention to data quality and validation.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with cross-functional teams to define data sources and characterization objectives.
  • Refine standardized electrical characterization and parametric analysis methodologies.
  • Analyze parametric test data, identifying sources of variation and troubleshooting anomalies.
  • Collaborate with engineers to debug silicon issues and ensure data quality.
  • Develop and optimize analysis workflows for improved efficiency.
  • Perform quality checks on analysis outputs for technical accuracy.
  • Benchmark results against historical data to identify trends and risks.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
  • Generous paid time off policy including sick leave and holidays.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Flexible work arrangements.
  • Wellness programs and resources for mental health support.
Full Job Description
Provide accurate, thorough, and timely electrical characterization (CHAR) data analysis to support client teams in resolving yield, performance, and reliability challenges. Leverage deep device and parametric analysis expertise to identify root causes and drive actionable insights, while contributing to the continuous enhancement of analysis methodologies and technical capabilities within PDF Solutions. Responsibilities
  • Partner with cross-functional teams (device engineering, test, yield, and customer-facing consultants) to define data sources, characterization objectives, analysis methodologies, and deliverable formats aligned to project timelines.
  • Apply and continuously refine standardized electrical characterization and parametric analysis methodologies while adapting to technology node, device architecture, and customer-specific requirements.
  • Analyze and interpret parametric test data (e.g., IV, CV, reliability, variability metrics), identifying sources of variation across process, design, test conditions, and data integrity. Proactively troubleshoot data anomalies including probe/test issues, data pipeline errors, and process-induced variability.
  • Collaborate closely with test engineers, product engineers, and design teams to debug silicon issues, validate test structures, and ensure data quality and measurement accuracy.
  • Develop, customize, and optimize analysis workflows, scripts, and reporting templates (e.g., JMP, Python, MATLAB) to improve efficiency, scalability, and repeatability of characterization analysis.
  • Perform rigorous quality checks on analysis outputs to ensure technical accuracy, statistical relevance, and clarity of insights for engineering and customer stakeholders.
  • Benchmark results against historical data, baseline models, and expected device behavior; identify deviations, trends, and early indicators of yield or reliability risks.
  • Synthesize complex datasets into clear, actionable insights and communicate findings through well-structured reports and presentations to internal teams and external clients.
  • Lead or support advanced analyses including DOE (Design of Experiments), correlation studies across multiple data sources (fab, test, reliability), and time-based performance tracking.
Qualifications
  • Electrical Characterization (CHAR) ExpertiseStrong hands-on experience with parametric test data (IV, CV, Idsat, Vt, leakage, variability, reliability) and deep understanding of device behavior across silicon.
  • Semiconductor Device Physics & Process KnowledgeSolid grounding in MOSFET/device physics and process integration, with the ability to link electrical signatures to process variations and yield impact.
  • Advanced Data Analysis & StatisticsProven capability in statistical analysis, variability characterization, and Design of Experiments (DOE) to diagnose complex yield and performance issues.
  • Programming & Data ToolsProficiency in tools such as Python, JMP, MATLAB, or similar for data mining, automation, and large dataset analysis.
  • Root Cause Analysis & DebuggingDemonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical anomalies across test, probe, and process domains; isolate root causes and drive resolution.
  • Cross-Functional CollaborationExperience working with test, product, yield, and design teams to close the loop between silicon data and engineering actions.
  • Data Integrity & ValidationStrong attention to data quality, with the ability to identify inconsistencies from test setup, data pipelines, or measurement artifacts.
  • Technical CommunicationAbility to distill complex datasets into clear insights, reports, and presentations for both internal stakeholders and customers.

 

Nice to have-

  • Advanced Node Experience (FinFET / GAA / sub-10nm)Familiarity with variability challenges, short-channel effects, and reliability concerns specific to leading-edge technologies.
  • Reliability & Failure Analysis KnowledgeExposure to TDDB, BTI, HCI, EM, and other reliability mechanisms, with ability to correlate parametric shifts to long-term behavior.
  • Test & Measurement SystemsExperience with ATE platforms, wafer probe, parametric testers, and test structure design.
  • Scripting & Automation at ScaleAbility to build scalable data pipelines, dashboards, or automated reporting solutions for high-volume manufacturing environments.
  • Data Visualization & BI ToolsExperience with tools like Tableau, Spotfire, or similar for interactive analysis and stakeholder reporting.
  • Customer-Facing ExperienceAbility to present technical findings directly to customers and support external engagements.
  • Machine Learning / Advanced Analytics (Emerging)Exposure to predictive modeling or anomaly detection techniques applied to semiconductor data.
Pay RangeUSD $140,000.00 - USD $210,000.00 /Yr.

About PDF Solutions, Inc.

PDF Solutions, Inc. is a provider of infrastructure technologies and services for integrated circuits (IC). The Company's technologies and services focus on the IC manufacturing process life cycle. It operates in the segment of licensing and implementation of yield improvement solutions for integrated circuit manufacturers. Its solutions combine software, test chips, an electrical wafer test system, methodologies and professional services. The Company's characterization vehicle infrastructure (CVi) enables customers to electrically characterize the manufacturing process, and establish fail-rate information needed to calibrate manufacturing yield models and prioritize yield improvement activities. Its Exensio YieldAware solution incorporates all of the components of solutions, such as CVi, yield management software systems, and business intelligence dashboards. The Company's Exensio product family includes Exensio-Yield, Exensio-Control, Exensio-Test and Exensio-Char.
Learn more about PDF Solutions, Inc.
Size
407 employees
Market Cap
$1 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$40.3 million
5 Year Trend
+0.7%
Revenue
$88 million
NASDAQ

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