Principal Product Characterisation Engineer (Production Test)

PragmatIC Semiconductor; North East; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Pragmatic Semiconductor in Cambridge is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead product-level characterisation, own the strategy, translate requirements into test coverage, and guide a small team focused on automated volume test solutions.

You will collaborate with the Device and IC Validation teams, present characterisation data to project stakeholders, and shape test strategy from project inception through production transfer.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant engineering or scientific subject, or equivalent career experience.
• Management training is desirable and candidates should show ongoing skill development.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a small engineering team, deliver complex test cases, execute and report data.
• Lead RF/Analogue test design and implementation for production test systems.
• Oversee automation hardware/software and integrate tests into Pragmatic’s systems.
• Collaborate with varied stakeholders and present information to technical and non-technical partners.

Skills

Automated hardware test solutions

RF/Analogue electronics

PCB designs

Programming languages (Python, LabVIEW

C#, C++

Data analysis & presentation

Measurement integrity & statistics

Communication skills

Semiconductor production test

Software development lifecycle & Scrum

Semiconductor testing in volume

Line-management & team development

Education

Degree in engineering or science

Job description

We have an excellent new opportunity a Principal Engineer to join the growing Pragmatic Semiconductor team in Cambridge. Reporting to the Director of Validation and Characterisation and forming a key part of our Engineering function, you will act as a technical leader for product-level characterisation activities: owning the product characterisation strategy, translating product requirements and technical risks into proportionate test coverage, analysis and reporting. You will take on line management of a small team of Engineers who are focused on the development of automated, volume test solutions as well as undertaking technical work yourself.

Working with colleagues from the adjacent Device and IC Validation teams, you will lead the development, execution and optimisation of wafer-level Characterisation test cases in a Production Test (ATE) environment and will present Characterisation data to project stakeholders.

You will be working extensively with cross-business stakeholders from project inception and planning to transfer to production and beyond to ensure characterisation findings inform design improvements, production-test strategy, limit setting and product-release decisions. We are therefore looking for candidates who can demonstrate experience of working successfully in cross-functional environments.

We are looking for candidates with deep RF expertise and strong data analysis skills using large datasets, as well as experience of wafer-level test.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a thriving team during an exciting scale-up period, while playing a genuinely key role in the company's success. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will be available for the right candidate, if required.

Key tasks

• Management of a Small Engineering Team – managing and technically leading a team of highly-skilled engineers, managing complex technical deliverables and test case development, execution and data reporting
• RF/Analogue Test Design and Implementation – working with internal stakeholders to provide key input to production test system design, and applying RF/Analogue skills for the analysis of the measurement data which the team generates
• Automation Hardware/Software – both managing and working technically on the automation of test cases and their integration into Pragmatic’s systems
• Communication with Varied Stakeholders – communicating with and working alongside a variety of stakeholders at Pragmatic, with the requirement to partner with and present information to technical and non-technical partners from all areas.

Qualifications and training

You will ideally be educated to degree level in a relevant engineering or scientific subject, or will possess equivalent career experience. Management training is desirable, as well as evidence that you have actively developed your skillset during your career to date.

Skills and experience

• Experience of developing automated hardware test solutions with sufficient knowledge of semiconductors and understanding of semiconductor test principles to become effective quickly in wafer-level characterisation
• RF/Analogue electronics knowledge with demonstrable practical experience of applying that knowledge to solve engineering problems
• Experience of working with PCB designs and contributing to schematic design and review
• Experience of software automation of test with practical experience in at least one common programming language. E.g. Python, Labview, C#, C++
• Experience of data analysis and presentation, with examples of where this has been applied to real-world engineering problems
• Strong understanding of measurement integrity and statistical analysis, including the ability to assess variation, repeatability, correlation, uncertainty and the significance of results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of partners
• Previous experience of working in a semiconductor production test environment
• Experience of software development lifecycle and tools, with experience of working with or as part of Scrum teams
• Experience of semiconductor testing in volume test environments
• Willingness and aptitude to line-manage and develop a small engineering team, including setting objectives, providing feedback and supporting individual development

Candidates who do not meet every requirement but feel their skills are a good fit for the role the role are encouraged to apply.

Pragmatic Semiconductor is committed to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion; we strive to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to be themselves at work. Please let us know if you would like any adjustments to our application and interview process.