Principal DFT Engineer

Aion Silicon; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aion Silicon is seeking an experienced DFT Engineer to lead chip-level Design for Test execution. The role involves ensuring high-quality DFT implementation and technical leadership within teams. Candidates should have a relevant degree and over 10 years of DFT engineering experience. Expertise with Siemens or Synopsys DFT tools and strong project management skills are crucial. This position offers flexibility to work from various global locations, including the UK.

Qualifications

• Typically 10+ years of experience in Design for Test (DFT) engineering.
• Strong experience in ATPG and test coverage improvements.
• Demonstrated capability to lead DFT design projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead DFT strategy definition and implementation.
• Provide industry-leading technical guidance in DFT.
• Contribute to technical thought leadership.

Skills

Design for Test expertise

Problem solving

Project management

DFT tools knowledge (Siemens/Synopsys)

Teamwork

Education

Degree/Masters or PhD in relevant subject

Tools

DFT tools from Siemens

DFT tools from Synopsys

Job description

Are you an experienced DFT Engineer looking for your next challenge?

Aion Silicon is actively building a pipeline of talented engineers for future opportunities, and we’d love to hear from skilled professionals who are passionate about Design for Test.

With design centres across the UK, Spain, Hyderabad, and Morocco, we offer the flexibility to base this role in any of our global locations.

Purpose of Role

To lead and own chip-level Design for Test execution, driving DFT delivery from architecture definition through pattern generation and silicon bring-up. This role ensures high-quality DFT implementation, effective debug and timing closure across test modes, and provides technical leadership within the team, while acting as a key stakeholder interface to ensure predictable and successful delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead DFT strategy definition, implementation of DFT structures, and verification to ensure chip-level testability and project success.


• Serve as an expert in DFT, providing industry-leading technical guidance in specialized areas.


• Solve highly complex problems and provide innovative solutions to technical challenges.


• Define, plan, and lead large, technically complex projects, ensuring alignment with program goals.


• Apply judgment in interpreting results, conducting quantitative analysis, and driving data-informed decisions.


• Maintain and promote high-quality outputs across the team, ensuring best practices and consistency.


• Collaborate effectively with team members and engineering management, fostering a productive and engaged team environment.


• Mentor junior engineers and provide leadership across multi-disciplinary project teams.


• Contribute to technical thought leadership through white papers, internal/external presentations, and participation in sales support activities, such as Statements of Work.


• Listen to customer feedback, identify opportunities, and work with the Business Team to translate technical insights into business growth.

Qualifications

• A degree/masters or PhD in a relevant subject


• Typically 10+ years of experience in Design for Test (DFT) engineering.


• Expertise with DFT tools from Siemens or Synopsys, including IJTAG, scan compression, MBIST, SSN, boundary scan, and repair implementation.


• Strong experience in ATPG and test coverage improvements, pattern simulation (Zdel/SDF), and diagnosing ATE failures and silicon bring-up.


• Solid understanding of DFT principles and architecture, with proven experience designing complex chip-level DFT solutions.


• Recognized as a problem solver with the ability to lead or contribute effectively within a DFT team.


• Demonstrated capability to lead DFT design projects as an expert or provide industry-leading expertise in specific DFT areas.


• Strong project management skills, with the ability to evaluate issues, define solutions, and drive project delivery.

Attributes

• Team organisation and ability to set and change priorities quickly


• Ability to motivate a team to work under pressure


• Organisation and problem-solving skills


• Excellent attention to details


• Self-motivated


• Ability to quantify risks and estimate engineering effort