hardware engineer 3

Broadcom Inc.; Wayne (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision plans

401(K) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence

Job summary

Broadcom Inc. in Wayne, California is looking for a Senior Reliability Engineer focusing on RF characterization and reliability testing for innovative Tuner Switch products. The role involves defining stress tests, leading reliability assessments, and collaborating with R&D teams.

The perfect candidate will have a degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with at least 5 years of experience in semiconductor reliability engineering. Compensation includes a salary range of $101,000 - $162,000 plus bonuses and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelors and 5+ years of related experience; Master's degree and 3+ years of related experience; PhD and no experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in semiconductor device reliability engineering.
• Proven experience in reliability stress tests including ESD, HTOL, and thermal testing.

Responsibilities

• Define, execute, and analyze electrical, thermal, and mechanical stress tests.
• Develop and execute test plans for RF characterization.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts and coordinate failure analysis activities.

Skills

Semiconductor device reliability engineering

Electrical stress tests

Analytical skills

RF characterization

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field

Tools

RF test equipment (VNAs, power meters, spectrum analyzers)

Statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab)

Job description

Senior Reliability Engineer, RF Characterization and Reliability

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Reliability Engineer to join our team, focusing on the radio frequency (RF) characterization and reliability test development for our cutting‑edge “Tuner Switch” products used in wireless handset chipsets. This critical function serves as a reliability expert and partner to our R&D, Design, and Quality teams. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in semiconductor device physics and reliability principles, particularly in RF and power electronics, and will be instrumental in ensuring the long‑term performance and robustness of our products.

Responsibilities

• Define, execute, and analyze electrical, thermal, and mechanical stress tests to ensure the long‑term performance and reliability of ‘Tuner switch’ and related devices fabricated in RF CMOS technology.
• RF Characterization – Develop and execute test plans to assess the switch device’s performance across various operating frequencies, power levels, and environmental conditions; evaluate performance stability over extended stress periods.
• Wafer Level RF Testing – Establish and implement procedures for performing critical RF reliability and performance tests early in the manufacturing process at the wafer level.
• ESD Characterization – Design and conduct ESD robustness tests (e.g., HBM, MM, CDM) to characterize the device’s immunity to electrical stress events.
• Power Handling Characterization – Assess and validate the device’s ability to reliably manage high‑power levels encountered in typical mobile tuner applications.
• Thermal IR Characterization – Utilize advanced instruments such as QFI or similar IR thermal imaging equipment to monitor heat distribution and hot thermal spots.
• Intrinsic Device Reliability Characterization – Develop and execute tests to assess the long‑term reliability of the underlying semiconductor IC process and package technologies used in the tuner switch.
• Advanced Life Testing – Apply RF High‑Temperature Operating Life (RF HTOL) and DC HTOL methodologies.
• Failure Analysis & Root Cause – Lead troubleshooting efforts; conduct root‑cause analysis; coordinate failure analysis activities with internal and external labs to drive continuous improvement in design and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Bachelors and 5+ years of related experience; Master’s degree and 3+ years of related experience; PhD and no experience; valid visa to work in the US.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in semiconductor device reliability engineering, with a focus on RF or power conversion components.
• Proven experience in designing and executing reliability stress tests, including ESD, HTOL, and thermal testing.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex electrical and physical failure data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with RF test equipment and measurement techniques (e.g., VNAs, power meters, spectrum analyzers).
• Expertise in RF/microwave semiconductor devices, preferably used in wireless handsets (e.g., switches, filters, front‑end modules).
• Familiarity with industry‑standard reliability specifications and qualifications (e.g., JEDEC).
• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab) for reliability data.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is $101,000 - $162,000. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in accordance with relevant plan documents, and equity in accordance with equity plan documents and equity award agreements.

• Medical, dental and vision plans.
• 401(K) participation including company matching.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Company paid holidays.
• Paid sick leave and vacation time.
• Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence in compliance with applicable laws.

Broadcom is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with local law.