ATE and SLT Hardware Engineer

NVIDIA Corporation; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA Corporation in Santa Clara, CA, is seeking an IC testing engineer to review and optimize ATE/SLT hardware for product bring-up and production.

You will design, verify, and improve test sockets, thermal plungers, and related fixtures, lead DOE studies, and collaborate with internal and external teams. The role requires hands-on hardware work and occasional weekend support. Minimum 5+ years in IC testing and ATE/SLT hardware; BS in EE/ME advised.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• EE and ME related degrees preferred.
• 5+ years of IC testing engineering and ATE/SLT hardware engineering experience.
• Experience with test sockets and thermal plungers is a strong plus.
• Familiar with test socket and/or thermal plunger mechanics and PCB footprints.
• Experience with socket signal integrity is a strong plus.
• Understanding mechanical drawings and mechanical/electrical knowledge.
• IC testing knowledge of ATE/SLT interface hardware, maintenance, repairs.
• Having ATE tester knowledge is a plus.
• Willing to do hands-on work like socket pin repair and small components; able to lift 30 lb.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve design of test socket, thermal plunger, and related accessories for ATE/SLT testing.
• Provide ATE and SLT test fixture/HW solutions from design, manufacturing order, schedule monitoring, verification, and improvement.
• Drive ATE and SLT socket/thermal technology, solutions, and qualifications.
• Drive DOE with data analysis and recommendations for improvement.
• Provide multi-functional support.
• Drive a project and host meetings with internal and external collaborators.
• Apply strong hardware troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Provide preventive actions.
• Able to debug ATE/SLT hardware setup such as socket, thermal plunger, PCB, chiller, and handler.
• Require on-duty lab support. Weekend support may be necessary.

Skills

IC testing

Hardware debugging

Root-cause analysis

ESD prevention

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

EE/ME degrees preferred

Tools

Test sockets

Thermal plungers

PCB footprints

ATE tester knowledge

Load boards

Job description

NVIDIA has been redefining computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s an outstanding legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and outstanding people. Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, encouraging environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work.

The ATE/SLT hardware group supplies the interface hardware for IC package testing during final test and system level test. Hardware includes highly custom high-speed sockets, both active and passive thermal plungers, and load boards. Take an active role in hardware development for both product launch and HVM.

What you’ll be doing:

• Review and approve the design of test socket, thermal plunger, and other accessories related to ATE/SLT IC testing for product bring-up and production.
• Provide ATE and SLT test fixture/HW solutions from design, manufacturing order, schedule monitoring, verification, and improvement.
• Drive ATE and SLT socket/thermal technology, solutions, and qualifications.
• Drive DOE with a sense of responsibility from gathering and analyzing engineering data and making decisions and recommendations for improvement.
• Provide multi-functional support.
• Drive a project and host a meeting with internal and external collaborators.
• Apply strong hardware troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Possess the ability to provide preventive actions.
• Able to debug ATE/SLT hardware setup such as socket, thermal plunger, PCB, chiller, and handler.
• Require on-duty lab support.
• Weekend support may be necessary.

What we need to see:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• EE and ME related degrees are preferred.
• 5 plus years of IC testing engineering and ATE/SLT hardware engineering experience.
• Experience with test sockets and thermal plungers is a strong plus.
• Familiar with test socket and/or thermal plunger mechanics and PCB footprints.
• Experience with socket signal integrity is a strong plus.
• Fully capable of understanding mechanical drawings and knowing mechanical and electrical circuit knowledge.
• Have IC testing knowledge of ATE/SLT interface hardware, maintenance, fixing, and repairs. (Socket, load board, thermal plungers)
• Having ATE tester knowledge is a plus.
• Proven ability in solving problems and providing solutions to prevent reoccurrence.
• Willing to conduct hands‑on-work such as socket pin repair, electric wire, and tiny capacitor/resistor.
• Able to lift 30 pounds load board during unboxing, boxing, and a short transportation and have the knowledge of prevention and control of electrostatic discharge (ESD)

Salary & Benefits

• With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers; we have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unparalleled growth, best-in-class teams are rapidly growing. If you’re creative and autonomous with a real passion for your work, we want to hear from you!
• Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.
• The base salary range is 132,000 USD - 207,000 USD.
• You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 13, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy. NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes. NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law. NVIDIA pioneered accelerated computing. Today, our AI infrastructure powers global intelligence, transforming every industry. Learn more about NVIDIA.