Principal Engineer, Test Engineering

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

Our Team:

Semtech's Global Test Engineering team is a world-class organization of innovative engineers who enable the success of our entire semiconductor portfolio through cutting-edge test solutions and methodologies. We are the technical backbone that ensures every Semtech product meets the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance. Our team spans multiple sites globally and serves as the center of excellence for test innovation, working closely with all business units to deliver breakthrough test capabilities. We specialize in mixed-signal, high-speed digital, and RF test development. Our engineers drive competitive advantage through innovative test architectures, methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives that directly impact Semtech's bottom line.

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.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.

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.

#LI-Hybrid