Principal DFT Engineer (Silicon Engineering)

United States Digital Space LLC; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 285,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC in Irvine, California is seeking a Principal DFT Engineer to develop ASICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures. In this role, you will lead cross-disciplinary teams in implementing and optimizing DFT architectures, ensuring high performance and reliability for cutting-edge technologies.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, at least 10 years of experience with ASICs, and a deep understanding of scan insertion and DFT methodologies. The position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science.
• 10+ years of experience working with ASICs.
• 10+ years of experience in scan insertion and DFT setup, integration and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and optimization of DFT architectures.
• Own ATPG tools and methodologies.
• Responsible for evaluating design readiness for scan insertion.
• Integration and verification of DFT fabrics and IP.
• Run and debug non‑timing and SDF annotated gate level simulations.
• Develop test scripts and automate processes.

Job description

the company was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

PRINCIPAL DFT ENGINEER (SILICON ENGINEERING)

At the company we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

We are seeking a motivated, proactive, and intellectually curious engineer who will work alongside world-class cross-disciplinary teams (systems, firmware, architecture, design, validation, product engineering and ASIC implementation). In this role, you will be developing next-generation ASICs for deployment in space and ground infrastructures around the globe. These chips are enabling connectivity in places it has previously not been available, affordable or reliable. Your efforts will help deliver cutting‑edge solutions that will expand the performance and capabilities of the Starlink network.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead implementation and optimization of DFT architectures, including scan insertion, compression/decompression logic, memory BIST, and logic BIST, leveraging Siemens Tessent tools for RTL and gate netlist DFT implementation
• Own ATPG tools and methodologies, including generating patterns for stuck-at, transition, and path delay fault models, while focusing on pattern compression, diagnosis, and hierarchical test flows. Provide post‑silicon testing and validation support
• Responsible for evaluating design readiness for scan insertion through RTL and physical design Scan Design Rule Check (DRC) tools
• Integration and verification of Design for Test (DFT) fabrics and IP within Subsystems
• Run and debug non‑timing and SDF annotated gate level simulations
• Develop test scripts, automate processes, and analyze data using programming languages such as Perl, Python, Tcl, or C+

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science
• 10+ years of experience working with ASICs
• 10+ years of experience in scan insertion and DFT setup, integration and validation

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Leadership experience driving SOC DFT execution from concept through tapeout and product deployment
• RTL experience to understand, trace and debug RTL connectivity issues as they pertain to DFT
• Ability to solve complex problems including clock domain crossings and power optimization
• Experience with UPF (Unified Power Format), formal verification, and DRC rule checking experience
• Familiar with advanced silicon process and technology nodes for high speed and low power consumption
• Strong implementation or integration of design blocks using Verilog/SystemVerilog
• Experience working with ATE testers and test teams

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay range:

Physical Design Engineer/Principal: $200,000.00 - $285,000.00 per year

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at the company. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].