Staff Engineer, Test Engineering

Sierra Wireless; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Wireless in Bristol is seeking a Test Engineer 3 to lead test engineering across major product areas in our semiconductor business. You will shape test strategies, guide development programs, and drive optimization to enhance yield and product quality.

The role requires advanced semiconductor test expertise, strong analytical ability, and leadership skills to deliver reliable validation while aligning with business goals. Moderate travel may be involved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering with related field.
• 5-7 years in semiconductor test engineering and lead experience.
• Expert knowledge of test methodologies, equipment, and data analysis.
• Experience in semiconductor manufacturing environment required.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement test strategies for significant product lines.
• Create test architectures, methodologies, and frameworks.
• Lead complex test program development for advanced devices.
• Develop diagnostic algorithms and measurement techniques.
• Drive test data analysis and yield improvement initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional test initiatives with design/manufacturing teams.
• Mentor junior test engineers and guide testing projects.
• Manage test time reduction and throughput improvements.

Skills

Semiconductor testing

Test data analysis

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Master's preferred

Tools

Automated test equipment

Test software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Test Engineer 3

Position Summary: The Test Engineer 3 position is responsible for leading test engineering functions for significant product areas or technology platforms within our semiconductor company. This position develops test strategies, manages complex test development initiatives, and provides expert guidance on test optimization and yield improvement. The role requires advanced expertise in semiconductor test engineering, strong analytical abilities, and leadership skills to ensure effective product validation while supporting business objectives in the highly technical semiconductor manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Test Strategy and Architecture (25%):

• Develop and implement test strategies for significant product lines or technology platforms
• Create comprehensive test architectures, methodologies, and frameworks
• Design innovative test approaches to address specialized semiconductor verification challenges
• Establish test coverage objectives and performance metrics
• Align test strategies with product quality objectives and business requirements

Advanced Test Development (20%):

• Lead complex test program development for advanced semiconductor devices
• Create sophisticated test algorithms and measurement techniques
• Develop test solutions for challenging device parameters and specifications
• Implement statistical test methods and adaptive test approaches
• Provide technical leadership on critical test development challenges

Test Performance and Optimization (15%):

• Lead test optimization initiatives and performance enhancement programs
• Develop advanced test data analysis methodologies and predictive models
• Create test efficiency strategies balancing coverage, quality, and cost
• Implement innovative approaches to reduce test time and improve throughput
• Drive continuous improvement of test methods and procedures

Test Technology and Innovation (15%):

• Lead test technology implementation and innovation initiatives
• Develop next-generation test capabilities and methodologies
• Implement advanced test equipment features and capabilities
• Create technology roadmaps for test platforms and infrastructure
• Drive technological advancement of test capabilities

Test Yield and Quality Engineering (15%):

• Lead test-based yield enhancement and quality improvement programs
• Develop sophisticated yield analysis techniques and correlation methodologies
• Create test-driven defect detection and prevention strategies
• Implement advanced parametric test approaches and outlier detection
• Drive quality improvements through enhanced test coverage and precision

Cross-functional Leadership and Collaboration (10%):

• Serve as test engineering subject matter expert to product and manufacturing teams
• Lead cross-functional test initiatives and improvement projects
• Provide technical mentoring to test engineering teams
• Build collaborative relationships with design, quality, and production engineering
• Represent test engineering in technical forums and reviews

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field; Master's degree preferred
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in semiconductor test engineering
• Experience leading test development initiatives and optimization projects
• Advanced knowledge of semiconductor test methodologies, automated test equipment, and data analysis techniques
• Experience in semiconductor manufacturing environment required

Qualifications:

• Expert knowledge of semiconductor test principles, methodologies, and technologies
• Advanced understanding of device physics, parametric testing, and failure mechanisms
• Strong knowledge of test equipment capabilities, languages, and programming techniques
• Experience with statistical analysis, design of experiments, and test optimization
• Excellent project leadership capabilities with experience managing test initiatives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Superior technical communication and documentation abilities
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and product characteristics
• Strategic thinking with ability to align test strategies with product objectives
• Experience with test data management, analytics, and yield improvement
• Understanding of quality standards, reliability testing, and product qualification

Travel Requirements:

• Moderate travel required (10-20% of time)
• May include travel between test facilities, manufacturing sites, and customer locations

Level of Authority:

• Leads test engineering for significant product areas or technology platforms
• Makes decisions regarding test strategies, methodologies, and resource allocation
• Provides authoritative guidance on test matters and methodology applications
• Approves test specifications and program changes
• May supervise test engineers or coordinate cross-functional teams

Job Complexity:

• Performes highly complex test engineering activities requiring advanced expertise and judgment
• Addresses sophisticated test challenges involving multiple parameters, specifications, and operational constraints
• Develops test solutions with significant product quality and manufacturing yield implications
• Requires deep understanding of semiconductor device characteristics, test methodologies, and quality requirements
• Expected to balance test coverage, quality, time-to-market, and cost objectives
• Navigates complex technical tradeoffs and competing priorities
• Works in highly specialized semiconductor environment requiring innovative test approaches